About 22% of those who book dentist appointments cancel for reasons of anxiety. That means nearly one-quarter of dental patients aren’t getting the care they need to maintain oral hygiene. This is despite the fact that modern dentistry is pain-free. Sometimes it’s simply the sights and sounds of the office that trigger bad memories.
If dental anxiety is a concern for you, it’s time to investigate sedation dentistry options. Over and above dental anesthesia, your level of relaxation can be boosted further through a range of techniques that relax you through the stages that make you nervous. The team at Northwoods Dental Group specialize in sedation dentistry, making them the obvious choice in the Columbus area.
Dentists’ offices trigger fear or nervousness in some patients. Although a dentist’s chair is likely no one’s favorite place to be, most people can manage their unease. Sometimes, though, this unease can escalate. When it reaches the point that you’re tempted to skip checkups or other dental appointments, it puts your oral health at risk.
The primary reason is that dental cleanings are necessary to stay ahead of the formation of plaque and tartar. Though good home care with daily brushing and flossing plays an essential role, regular cleanings catch the buildups that happen to even those with the best home hygiene. When you need other dental work like fillings, gum disease, or root canals, you may have even more urgent dental care needs.
There are some who think that sedation is the same thing as general anesthetic, a process that puts you to sleep while the dentist does their work. This isn’t the case. You remain awake during sedation dentistry, but you’re in a vague state. Typical stressors won’t bother you, and you may have little recollection of the work done during your appointment.
There are several sedation techniques from which to choose at Northwoods Dental Group. Each is safe and with few side effects. Talk to Dr. Nathan Klabunde to learn more about your options.
Prior to arriving for your appointment, you’ll take a sedation pill that relaxes you but won’t put you to sleep. You’ll require a ride to and from your appointment, since the effects of the pill interfere with your alertness, but you’ll be unbothered by your surroundings. You may not remember any details of your treatment.
Sedatives delivered through an intravenous feed act quickly, You’ll feel like you’re asleep, though you aren’t. Once again, it’s unlikely you’ll have any memory of the dental work you had.
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide acts quickly and wears off nearly as quickly. It’s the best choice if you need to drive yourself to or from the dentist’s office. You can’t do this with other forms of sedation. You’ll feel a sense of well-being once nitrous oxide is administered and your perception of your dental procedure is dimmed.
You can book your sedation session by phone or online with Dr. Klabunde and the team at Northwoods Dental Group today. Discuss your needs with the practice ahead of time to ensure you receive the anxiety-free dental experience you desire.
