Varying levels of dental fear or anxiety are pretty common problems that keep far too many people from getting the oral care they need. If you struggle with these issues, keep reading to find out how sedation dentistry and other tactics can help you get past your doubts to get the care you need:
Talk to Your Dentist
One of the most important things to do to quell your dental anxiety is to talk to your dentist. Be open about what scares you so he or she can make the necessary arrangements to make you as comfortable as possible in the office. If your dentist knows the root of your dental anxiety, he or she can make adjustments to give you what you need during your next visit.
Ask to See All of the Tools
A lot of people feel anxious at the dentist because they do not understand why all of the tools are used. If you fall into this category, you can ask the family dentist or the dental hygienist to talk to you about all of the tools and what they do. Once you understand their purpose, it helps you get past your dental anxiety and make it through your next appointment with ease.
Learn About Sedation Dentistry
If you have tried all of these other tactics and still feel really scared about going to do the dentist, you might want to ask about sedation dentistry. You can choose between various levels of sedation that help you relax enough to get the dental care you need. When you choose sedation dentistry in St. Louis, the dentist can give you nitrous oxide to make you feel calm but alert during the procedure. If you need something stronger, the dentist can do IV sedation, which is sent directly into your bloodstream to knock you out so you are completely unaware of the procedure. You can also opt for oral conscious sedation that is administered through oral medication.