Dental Anxiety and Dental Sedation

Relaxation Techniques for Dental Anxiety and Dental Oral Sedation

Dental visits feel like this for some patients

With over 20 years experience as a practicing dentist it is very, very clear (sad but true) that dental anxiety is a very real and scary thing for quite a few people.  Few things can elicit the very severe anxiety that dentistry causes in these folks.  Last week, I wrote a blog (click here) about why people really don’t have to be afraid of the dentist, but I understand that some people need more than a pep talk. So, this week is dedicated to solutions for dental anxiety.  

·        Bring a comfort item from home – This can include a blanket, stuffed animal, favorite playlist on your iPod, aromatherapy, favorite movie (for offices with TVs), or warm compress.  As long as it is not distracting to other patients or the dental team it is probably fine to bring. Just in case, you might ask first ... Though most dental offices will welcome whatever makes you happy!

·       Get a good night’s sleep the night before your appointment- It sounds simple, but people can deal with stress and anxiety much better when they are well rested.

           Here are some In-Office (do-it-yourself) Tips ... 
                                              Oral Sedation is Discussed further below  
    Deep Breathing – This is breathing in your nose for a slow count of 3.  Holding it for 3 slow seconds, then breathing out for a slow 3 seconds, repeatedly. This breathing can help to reduce the amount of adrenaline and cortisol your body produces when it is under stress.

·        Guided Imagery and Self-Hypnosis – Try to imagine that you are in a favorite place, such as a beach, lake, Grandma’s house or anywhere you feel safe. This can be used in conjunction with relaxation and soothing play-loops on your iPod, and can be very effective.  

·        Progressive Muscle Relaxation – This is done by tensing one muscle group for 8-10 seconds and then letting the muscle group relax and release. When combined with soothing sounds and deep breathing this can be a great tool!

·        Express your concerns with your dental team – Let them know what your fears are.  Often times your dental team might have a solution that will help ease your mind.  For example, one patient I know felt more comfortable under the lead vest we use for x-rays.  

Dentistry with proper relaxation techniques or sedation

ORAL SEDATION Dentistry ... If all these suggestions don’t help then it is time discuss sedation.  Sedation is a great option for people who need a little extra help to get through their dental procedure and there is no shame in using it.  There are several types of sedation, but the two most commonly used in dental offices are conscious sedation (oral sedation) and IV sedation.

·        Conscious Sedation - is sometimes referred to as oral sedation, because it is administered orally.  Conscious sedation requires that you take a pill one hour prior to your procedure.  Technically you'll be "awake" during the procedure, but you will be so relaxed that you won’t have a care in the world.  Interestingly, after even many hours of dental treatment with oral sedation dentistry, patients don’t even recall the procedure at all or even being in the dental office.  This requires that you have an escort to drive you home and stay with you for several hours after the procedure.  When proper precautions have been taken (following rigid guidelines for patient selection and drug admnistration), Oral Sedation Dentistry safety record is safer than even IV Sedation. (per data from world renowned Dental Oral Sedation Organization - "DOCS").

·        IV Sedation – is administered through an IV.  This sedation can be administered by a sedation team either in a hospital or in the dental office, or by a dentist who has extra education and training in IV sedation.  My personal preference with IV Sedation is for a Board Certified MD to administer the Sedation (while the dentist takes care of the dentistry) -- to ensure the utmost safety. During this type of sedation you will be unconscious completely or in such a deep sedative state that you are unable to respond to any verbal commands; and would require assistance breathing.

If you have a real fear of the dental procedures talk to your dentist and come up with a plan before your appointment.  Consider treatment with a trusted and experienced oral sedation care dentist in the St Louis area.  The days of “dental horror” stories can be a thing of the past.  Sometimes the scariest step is just making that first call.  Don’t let fear keep you out of the dental chair, you are not alone - and many, many success stories are out there.  You can be one also!