Do you avoid the dentist because you suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia? You are not alone. Recent studies show that nearly 75% of the population report having some degree of dental phobia. Your dental phobia may be as mild as sweaty palms in the waiting room or as severe as experiencing panic attacks in the dental chair. Regardless of your reason or severity of dental anxiety, it is most important that you are aware of how sedation dentistry can help. Many reputable dentists now offer sedation dentistry to patients who would otherwise avoid necessary dental care. Gilreath Family Dentistry offers two forms for sedation during dental work, Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) and Oral Sedation using a medicine that you swallow. These are safe and conservative ways to ensure you get the oral health care you need. Some people require sedation dentistry to get through a routine dental cleaning while others need anxiety help during dental procedures that require Novocain injections such as a root canal or filling
Fear of needles is a common form of dental phobia. If needles are your primary concern with the dentist, there is hope on the horizon. There may be a new form of anesthesia coming to dental offices in 2014. Researchers at the University of Buffalo have created a nasal spray that is designed to replace needle injections of dental anesthesia. Kovacaine Mist is a nasal spray form of dental anesthesia that has been found to be as effective as injectable anesthesia in four of five dental patients in recent clinical studies.
One thing is for certain; neglecting to see your dentist for even routine dental appointments can lead to more serious health problems. If you fear going to the dentist, you can rest assured that dental practices such as Gilreath Family Dentistry are dedicated to your comfort and eliminating your dental fear so you can have the healthy, long-lasting smile you deserve.
Posted on behalf of Dr. Paul Gilreath IV,