Have you been avoiding a trip to the dentist due to fear or anxiety? This is a common reason for avoiding the dentist’s chair and putting off routine preventive care visits: the foundation for maintaining good oral health.
Unfortunately, small dental health problems will quickly become big (and often painful) dental health problems when left untreated, resulting in the need for extensive and expensive restorative dental treatments.
At Valley Dental Health in Hunt Valley, Dr. Rafat and Dr. Izadi offer the solutions necessary to help patients relax and regain their confidence while undergoing a dental procedure. The staff at Valley Dental Health is experienced in treating patients with anxiety. We will take the time to discuss concerns you may have about your oral health, and possible dental treatment.
In many situations, taking the time to fully explain a dental procedure, and discuss possible anesthesia options, provides the level of comfort needed to help a patient overcome their anxiety.
Dental anxiety, or a fear of the dentist, is one of the most common reasons for poor oral health among adults today. At Valley Dental Health, we work one-on-one with patients who experience anxiety to understand their fear and what may cause it. We work to address the issue whether it’s a previous bad experience, a fear associated with pain, medical settings, or other common stressors.
In more complex situations or during a more involved dental procedure, Dr. Rafat or Dr. Izadi may recommend the use of sedation dentistry options. This can enable an anxious patient to undergo a dental procedure while in a mild “euphoric” state. You are awake but won’t recall much of the procedure afterward.
Valley Dental Health offers several types of sedation: nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and oral sedation. The most popular, nitrous oxide sedation is administered without the use of an injection (often a cause for fear and anxiety during a dental procedure) and allows patients to remain fully awake during a procedure without feeling any pain. This type of anesthesia has no after effects and patients can drive themselves home after treatment!
Sedation Dentistry in Hunt Valley
Dental sedation can help you to feel calm, relaxed, and confident while fully alert and able to respond to us during your procedure. We offer all types of sedation, including IV sedation for anyone who needs or desires to be “asleep” during treatment. Dr. Rafat is one of few local Baltimore area dentists who are certified and trained in administering IV sedation.
We will meet with you to discuss your medical history, personal concerns, and fears before recommending the sedation option(s) most suitable for you. Our goal is to safely enable you to maintain, restore or enhance your smile without feeling stressed or anxious.
Good dental health will not only improve your quality of life but also help to support your overall health and well-being.
Dental sedation options include:
1) Oral sedation – This option is administered in pill form and enables you to be responsive and in control of your bodily functions while feeling completely relaxed throughout your procedure.
2) Nitrous oxide – Also known as laughing gas, this sedation method is administered through a mask that delivers an odorless gas that relaxes and calms you. The effects will wear off immediately when the patient stops breathing it in.
3) IV sedation – The type of sedation delivers medication directly through the bloodstream to provide immediate relaxation and comfort. The effects of IV sedation resolve quickly once the IV is removed. This technique has a faster recovery with fewer side effects as compared to oral sedation.
Fear of the Dentist FAQs
How do you get over the fear of going to the dentist?
If you have a fear of going to the dentist, there are things that can be done to ease anxiety. It is important to keep in mind that this is a very common feeling that many of your dentist’s patients feel as well. It is important to communicate with your dentist because we have options we can offer that will make your experience more comfortable.
Some things to try if feeling anxious at the dentist are to breathe slowly, try listening to music, and use hand signals if you are feeling uncomfortable.
What are some symptoms of dental anxiety?
There are many signs that the body gives to show that someone is feeling anxious. Sweaty palms, an increased heartbeat, crying, shakiness, and low blood pressure are all signs of dental anxiety.
Does anxiety affect your mouth?
Dental anxiety can have an effect on your mouth. Patients who have dental anxiety may find themselves with a dry mouth often. They also are prone to getting sores in their mouth.
