A professional dentist Red Bank can help you overcome any fear you have of getting a check-up. Did you know studies show that 75% of adults in the United States have experienced some degree of fear about going to the dentist? If you have ever had any of those feelings, don’t feel alone. The problem is that avoiding the dentist may create bigger problems that will be more difficult to handle down the road.
Society often gives us signals that going to the dentist can be fearful. For example, if you tell your friends, “Well, I’m off to see the dentist,” you may get a chorus of groans and sarcastic comments like “have fun!”
However, today’s medical advances have made painless dentistry a reality. Speak with your dentist and talk about your fear. Your dentist Red Bank has dealt with many patients with similar conditions and will explain some of the methods that are available for you.
Oral Conscious Sedation
One common solution to deal with dental fear is to offer the patient oral conscious sedation. Usually this is in the form of an oral drug like Valium or Halcion. These medications allow you to remain awake but will relax you so that you are calm during the dental procedure. Your dentist Red Bank can advise which chemical options you have depending on your temperament, physical condition and biochemistry.
If you opt for oral conscious sedation, you must have somebody drive you to your appointment and be available to pick you up afterwards. Oral Conscious Sedation should be considered by any patients that:
* Have difficulty becoming numb
* Are undergoing long, involved procedures
* Tend to involuntarily gag
* Have extremely sensitive teeth.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a good alternative to oral conscious sedation. Patients breathe the nitrous oxide through a small nosepiece. It does not take long before they are very relaxed. After the dental procedure is over, it only takes about 10 minutes to regain normal awareness.
Because it is less severe than oral conscious sedation, most patients can drive themselves to an appointment with their dentist Red Bank. If you have any doubt, it is recommended that you get a driver. By combining nitrous oxide with a local anesthetic, most patients will feel comfortable for common procedures. People with breathing or respiratory conditions may not be good candidates for nitrous oxide.
Other Methods
There are alternative methods for people that want to avoid oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. Some patients have luck with herbs like valerian root. Other herbs that are good candidates are passionflower, chamomile, St. John’s wort and lavender.
Herbs are usually taken the night before a dental appointment, and also the day off the procedure. However, due to the unpredictable nature of some herbs, it is recommended that patients get a another person to drive the patient to and from the appointment. Other alternative methods include relaxation techniques, deep massage, breathing techniques or a combination.
Consult with your dentist Red Bank to see if you are eligible for conscious oral sedation or nitrous oxide. You may feel more comfortable with a natural herbal solution. No matter what your level of dental fear, there are effective ways to handle it.
