Does the thought of visiting the dentist make you nervous? Did you suffer a traumatic incident as a child that left you wary of dental treatment? Is the sound of a dental drill enough to make you break out into a cold sweat?
If so, you are not alone. Dental phobia, or fear of visiting the dentist or oral surgeon, is actually quite common. The problem is that it can prevent someone from receiving the treatment they need, or the smile they deserve. There are many people that avoid the dentist or oral surgeon and miss out on a lifetime of healthy, beautiful teeth.
Luckily, dentists and oral surgeons such as Dr. Ronald Trevisani have the solution to dental phobia. Sedation medication enables a patient to drift comfortably through their oral surgery or dental implants treatment and have no recollection of their visit afterward.
Sedation can be achieved through several methods, including intravenously or through an oral pill. The latter involves taking a pill about an hour before treatment, and having an un-medicated driver or escort bring you to and from your appointment. Intravenous sedation is delivered through an IV. Both types of sedation are safe when properly administered by a trained dentist or oral surgeon like Dr. Trevisani. Before you undergo the chosen sedation, your detailed medical history and record of allergies and medications are taken (to prevent complications). While you are sedated, your vital signs are continuously monitored. There are safety measures in place in case you experience a side effect — although these are very rare.
Other Ways to Reduce Dental Anxiety
In addition to sedation medication, there are techniques that you can use to reduce your dental anxiety. These techniques can help make your oral surgery or dental implants treatment a more relaxed experience.
Communication is key. Dr. Trevisani encourages you to talk about your anxiety before treatment has started. As a health care professional, he is trained to treat patients with anxiety. However, he cannot employ these tactics unless he is aware of your anxiety. Building trust with him can start to alleviate some of the fear you might have of treatment.
Schedule your appointment during a time when you feel most relaxed. This could be first thing in the morning, in the early evening or even on a Saturday.
Avoid sugar and caffeine prior to your appointment.
Bring your iPhone or portable audio player and favorite headphones; queue up your favorite album, audio book or podcast to help you drift through treatment.
Practice deep breathing exercises, which naturally relax the body and decrease feelings of panic.
Call Dr. Trevisani for a Pleasant Dental Experience
For more tips on reducing fear and anxiety about your oral surgery or dental implants treatment, please contact Dr. Trevisani today.