Sedation Dentistry: How to Manage Your Fear of Going to the Dentist

Many people dread going to the dentist.  However, you don't want to jeopardize your oral health because you refuse to get the necessary dental care you require.  If you are fearful of going to the dentist or have sensitive teeth, you may want to consider seeing a sedation dentist.  
It used to be that dentists had to use needle injections to sedate a patient. However, nowadays oral sedation that does not require needles has become more commonplace.  Currently, sedation dentistry utilizes sedative drugs such as anti-anxiety medications, local anesthetics, or nitrous oxide to create a more relaxed state while you are receiving dental care.  
Here are some tips on managing your fear of going to the dentist:

• Before you even head to the dentist's office, take some time to relax and meditate. Take deep breaths and visualize yourself experiencing a calm dental visit.  

• Ask as many questions as you can about the procedure.  The more you know, the calmer you will feel about everything.

• If you experience dental anxiety, it's important to communicate these fears to your dentist before any procedures take place.  Not sharing your dental anxiety can cause more dreadful thoughts, thus creating a highly unpleasant experience.  Keep in mind that a sedation dentist is trained to put people at ease about their dental anxieties.  

• Some dentists will provide headphones with soothing music as you sit in the chair.  Continue to take deep breaths as you focus on the music.

Going to the dentist does not have to be a dreadful experience.  Stay focused on being calm and you shouldn't have any problems!