How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Are you afraid of going to the dentist? Millions of Americans suffer from dental anxiety, causing them to delay important dental appointments and cleanings. This can put their oral health at risk. It doesn’t have to be that way. Sedation dentistry uses modern methods to relax dental patients during their visit to the dentist, giving them relief for their anxiety. At West County Dental, we offer the following options for sedation dentistry:

Oral Conscious Sedation – The Pill Method

This method of sedation is administered by taking a pill prior to arrival at the dentist’s office. It puts the patient in a relaxed state but lets them stay conscious and able to respond. For safety reasons, the patient will need a friend or family member to drive them to and from the appointment.

Nitrous Oxide – The Gas Method

Also referred to as nitrous, laughing gas or NO, nitrous oxide is delivered through a mask over the nose, and the level of nitrous oxide dispensed is carefully controlled by your dentist. Nitrous oxide creates a mild sedative effect that lets the patient relax. As with the pill method, patients remain conscious and able to communicate with their dentist during the entire procedure.

Both of these methods of sedation dentistry are great solutions for anyone who has become paralyzed with fear at the thought of undergoing a dental procedure. Virtually all of our dental care treatments can be performed under some degree of sedation to help put you at ease. If your dental anxiety is caused by embarrassment about the state of your teeth or gums, rest assured, we have seen it all and do not judge. We know all the reasons why a patient’s dental health may be poor, and many are beyond their control. Our mission is to use our compassion and expertise to put you back into a state of dental health with minimal discomfort.

Find out More

If you have any questions at all about sedation dentistry or dental anxiety, give us a call or stop by. At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!

Can You Be Allergic to Novocaine

If you have a dental appointment coming up you have a number of questions and concerns. If one of your concerns is about a possible allergic reaction to a local anesthetic such as Novocaine, or lidocaine (which is more commonly used these days), you can probably stop fretting. While it is possible to have an allergic reaction to them, true allergies to general or local anesthetics is very rare, with frequency ranging from 1 in 5,000 cases to 1 in 25,000 cases. More people are merely sensitive to anesthetics than actually allergic to them. Symptoms of drug sensitivities include shaking, sweating, faintness, and heart palpitations.

What is an Allergy?

An allergy is when your body’s immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance, known as an allergen. People are allergic to latex, pollen, bee stings, certain foods or medicines. Allergic reactions can be mild, moderate or life-threatening.

Allergic reactions to local anesthetics such as Novocaine or lidocaine include skin reactions (rash, hives, itching, swelling, etc.), trouble breathing, or anaphylactic shock, which is extremely rare. Most allergic reactions to local anesthetics involve only temporary itching and skin rash at the site of the injection.

Other Allergic Reactions

There are other chemicals in these local anesthetics that may trigger some allergic reactions. Most formulations contain epinephrine, which constricts blood vessels at the injection site. This decreases blood flow to the area so that the anesthetic stays near the injection site longer, making it more effective. Local anesthetics also contain preservatives to keep the epinephrine fresh. Allergies to epinephrine and these preservatives are rare, and any adverse reactions that may occur are often the result of sensitivities.

Talk to Your Dentist

If you have any concerns about anesthesia, or any aspect of an upcoming procedure or dental appointment, speak with your dentist. She or he can review your signs and symptoms to help you determine whether you can use Novocaine or lidocaine safely for dental procedures. There are newer sedation methods available that can reduce reliance on anesthetics as well.

At West County Dental, we provide personalized family dental care using state of the art procedures. Adhering to a standard of excellence, we provide comprehensive treatment, from preventive care to restorative dentistry. When you reserve a visit with West County Dental, you can be confident that our team of highly-trained dental professionals will provide you the care you need for a healthy smile. Call (314) 488-2921 or contact us through our website today!