I have not been to a dentist for many years, but recently I cracked a molar, and now I have to do something. I’m not ashamed to admit it - I am so scared! I have been scared to go to the dentist for as long as I can remember, and as an adult have only gone when I really, really have to. I hate everything about it - the scraping, the pain, the whine of the drill. I start sweating just thinking about it.
I’ve been trying to find out about dentists in my area who can knock you out during treatment - I think they are called sedation dentists? What kind of risks are involved with this kind of sedation? I know it is going to take some time to fix my broken tooth, and I can hardly stand the thought of it.
–Felicity in Scottsdale
Dear Felicity,
First of all, know that you are not alone. Many, many people are incredibly anxious when they visit the dentist. Our practice here in Plano is an especially friendly place for such “dental cowards” - our staff has special training, so we can provide sedation dentistry for people who are extremely anxious about dental care.
Some people mistakenly call this sleep dentistry, but you do not actually go to sleep during your procedure. There are different levels of sedation, and different kinds of medications that are appropriate for different patients. The key thing to remember is that your dentist should really listen to you, to make sure your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
The sedation techniques used in sedation dentistry are very safe, and carefully tailored to suit your individual needs. I can’t give you a specific answer about the risks, because they vary depending on the type of medication, but your dentist should carefully discuss what techniques and medications will be best for you, and go over the potential side effects thoroughly.
Sedation dentistry can help you overcome your fear. Hopefully, one good experience will lead to another, and you will be able to pursue regular dental care. Good luck!