Your Local Area - Dental Plan

Dental Anxiety Is Real!

Franklin D. Roosevelt was right: the only thing we have to fear is … fear itself.

Many times, the worst part of a procedure is the anxiety a patient endures before even climbing into the chair. It's a problem that's preventable, and your dentist would like to help you with that right now.

If you (or someone you care about) has an appointment that's beginning to darken your thoughts, try this: First focus on the specifics of your dental fear. Is it the procedure in general, or a particular piece of equipment, or a vague sense of invasion of the privacy of your mouth? Once you've got it pinned down, talk with your dentist about it. If it's general dental anxiety, your dentist can help you feel better. If it's concern over a specific instrument or technique, often your dentist can change the way he does things.

You can help the "pre-op jitters" by avoiding stimulants (coffee, cocoa, sugar) six hours before your visit. And concentrate on breathing naturally; denying yourself oxygen increases anxiety.

Finally, there's a matter of trust. When your dentist describes a procedure, ask him to be honest. Ask him to tell you if it will be uncomfortable or stressful, if he tells you it won't be, believe him. And spare yourself the unnecessary burden of dental phobia.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Learn About Sedation Dentists - FAQs About Sedation Dentistry

Q. Will I really be totally relaxed with Sedation Dentistry?

A. Your sedation dentist will administer just enough sedation so that you'll be completely unaware of the treatment, as if you were asleep.

Q. Will I remember anything after sedation dentistry?

A. At the end of the treatment, you'll have little or no memory of what was accomplished.

Q. Will I feel any pain during dental treatment?

A. Most patients experience no discomfort whatsoever during treatment and feel surprisingly good afterwards.

Q. What dental treatments can I have while under sedation?

A. Sedation dentists can generally do it all—implants, dentures, cosmetic dentistry treatments, crowns, even gum surgery.

Q. Is sedation dentistry safe for me?

A. Oral sedation dentistry protocols have been used safely for 30 years. Sedation dentists will review your medical history and monitor you closely while under sedation.

Q. Will my dental insurance cover it?

A. Almost all sedation dentists will review your coverage and, if necessary, make financial arrangements so you get the care you need.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.