A lot of people in Gig Harbor suffer from severe dental anxiety. It’s normal to feel a little bit nervous before your appointment, but some people are so afraid and anxious that they can’t bring themselves to walk through the door. If this is how you feel, then you probably avoid the dentist at all costs.
Thankfully, we offer sedation dentistry in Gig Harbor for anyone that’s petrified of the dentist. It’s a way of calming your nerves and making the whole appointment a less daunting experience. We don’t recommend sedation dentistry for everyone, but here are a few questions that will help you understand whether or not it’s right for you, and the benefits of trying it.
What is sedation dentistry?
Essentially, it’s the practice of sedating patients before any treatments are carried out. At our clinic in Gig Harbor, Washington, we offer two main sedation options:
- Oral conscious sedation – this is a pill that’s given to you before your appointment, and it helps you relax and feel calmer.
- Nitrous oxide – the most common form of sedation, also known as laughing gas. It’s administered while you’re in the dental chair, making you feel relaxed without sending you to sleep.
Both options will take your mind off the appointment and ensure that you have a pain-free experience.
Who is sedation dentistry aimed at?
Sedation dentistry in Gig Harbor is aimed at people who have an extreme fear of the dentist. If you’re just a little bit nervous, then it’s better trying to get through those nerves naturally. Everyone feels slightly anxious, but our calm and caring dentists will make you feel at ease throughout the appointment.
However, if your anxiety is bad enough to make you avoid the dentist, then we highly recommend sedation dentistry. It’s unwise to avoid seeing the dentist for regular checkups because it means your oral health will get worse. Before you know it, you’ll have a mouth full of cavities and teeth falling out due to gum disease. Your dentist is there to help you avoid all of this, so try and attend regular checkups.
What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?
The key benefit is that it allows people to receive dental treatment without feeling worried or anxious. It’s a pain-free option too; you won’t feel a thing when the sedation is administered, and you’ll be numb to any potentially painful sensations during your treatment.
As a consequence, you can maintain excellent oral health by visiting your dentist regularly. Your fear of the dentist should slowly subside too, seeing as you know that there’s nothing to fear. When you’re aware that you’ll be sedated and can relax during the appointment, it lifts a huge weight from your shoulders.
All in all, sedation dentistry is a fantastic way for people who hate the dentist to receive the treatment they need and deserve. At Peninsula Family Dentistry, we’ve seen so many patients from the Gig Harbor area who’ve avoided the dentist for years due to anxiety. The longer you go with no dental checkups, the more chance there is of severe oral health problems developing. So, if you want to conquer your fear and maintain excellent oral health, then consider trying sedation dentistry at your next appointment. Feel free to call our team if you have any queries about this service or want to learn more.
