{"id":41,"date":"2018-12-10T18:37:16","date_gmt":"2018-12-10T18:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dfwperiodontics.com\/blog\/?p=41"},"modified":"2019-01-10T18:41:52","modified_gmt":"2019-01-10T18:41:52","slug":"sedation-dentistry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dfwperiodontics.com\/blog\/2018\/12\/sedation-dentistry\/","title":{"rendered":"Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Conquer Dental Anxiety"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"relaxedDo shivers of fear run down your spine when you think about visiting the dentist? Perhaps you had a past bad experience, or you may be afraid because you\u2019ve heard stories about other people who have undergone painful procedures. In reality, though, there is no reason to be afraid of visiting the dentist. Let\u2019s discuss the devastating consequences of dental anxiety and how sedation dentistry<\/a> may be able to help you overcome your fears.<\/p>\n

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The Impact of Dental Anxiety<\/h2>\n

Dental anxiety is a common problem \u2014 in fact, an estimated 80 percent<\/a> of Americans have some level of dental anxiety. Up to 14 percent of adults hesitate to go to the dentist due to very high levels of anxiety. Sometimes, their discomfort is based on previous experiences, but in other cases, there is no concrete explanation behind the fear. Dental phobia, which is an even more paralyzing form of fear, can hold people back from going to the dentist until they are in extreme pain. They may recognize that the fear is irrational, but they cannot use reason or logic to help them conquer it.<\/p>\n

People who neglect dental care due to anxiety are at a high risk of suffering from serious oral health problems, such as extensive tooth decay and gum disease. Furthermore, not going to the dentist may also have an impact on a person\u2019s overall health. For example, if gum disease remains untreated, the bacteria that causes it can sneak into the bloodstream and contribute to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, and respiratory illness.<\/p>\n

Dental anxiety can touch on other aspects of patients\u2019 lives as well. For example, embarrassment over broken or decayed teeth can lead to social problems. Badly damaged teeth and bad breath may even hurt an individual\u2019s career prospects.<\/p>\n

Conquering Dental Anxiety and Dental Phobia<\/h2>\n

Some people with dental anxiety find that exposure therapy \u2014 visiting the dentist despite their fear \u2014 helps them to adopt a more positive view of visiting their oral healthcare provider. This method may be particularly useful for people with mild anxiety who do thorough research to find a dentist who has a reputation for being gentle and compassionate.<\/p>\n

Of course, sometimes more is needed than an excellent, caring dentist. That is why many oral health professionals offer sedation dentistry. Depending on the procedure you need and your level of anxiety, you may benefit from:<\/p>\n