While most dental visits are simple and pain free, plenty of patients still suffer from dental anxiety. Also known as odontophobia, dental anxiety often causes patients to skip appointments, whether it be out of fear, a negative experience in the past, or any other factor. Regardless of the reason, skipping dental appointments will only lead to additional issues, which ultimately require further treatment, or in other words, more appointments. In short, avoiding the dentist is not recommended in coping with dental anxiety. Fortunately, there are solutions.
At Spring Valley Dental Care, we offer a solution to those who suffer from mild or severe dental anxiety. Our sedation dentistry service allows patients to feel relaxed and calm in the midst of dental checkups and treatments. Before calling to schedule an appointment at our Spring Valley, CA office, learn more about dental anxiety.
Dental Anxiety Explained
Studies suggest that between 9 and 15 percent of Americans will avoid seeing the dentist out of anxiety or fear. That includes standard checkups and even more important treatments, like cavity fillings or necessary restorative treatments. The latter of which can become very dangerous when neglected for long enough.
People who avoid the dentist for an extended period are at an increased risk for periodontal disease, caused by excess plaque buildup. Even just avoiding your regular 6 month cleanings can increase your risk. Along with an increased risk for periodontal disease, there is a heightened risk for tooth decay and other dental complications that can arise over time without seeing a dentist.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry offers a middle ground for people with dental anxiety who don’t want to go fully unconscious during their dental treatment. The service is designed to help those with dental anxiety relax when they visit the dentist, without all the complications that come from going fully under. There are two forms of sedatives offered by Spring Valley Dental Care:
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral Conscious sedation is not designed to put you out of consciousness, but rather to help you feel totally relaxed during your dental appointment. Your dentist will give you pills prior to your treatment that should help you feel calm.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Nitrous oxide is administered with a mask to help relax you before a dental treatment. This treatment has been used for decades. One of its greatest benefits is that the effect of the nitrous oxide wears off fast enough that people can oftentimes drive themselves home from an appointment.
Call Us for a Worry-Free Appointment Today!
Has dental anxiety been keeping you from visiting the dentist? Try our sedation dentistry service for a more relaxed dental experience. Call us today at 619-670-4471 for a consultation. You can also contact us here.