According
to the statistics released by the Oral Health Foundation, nearly half of all
adults in the UK have a real fear of going to the dentist. Of these, 12% suffer
from extreme anxiety that is akin to a phobia. As if that wasn't bad enough, a
visit to the dentist is the #1 reason for making people nervous. Thankfully,
modern dentistry experts, such as Weybridge
dental care, have a range of solutions in
place to help allay these fears. They won't make you excited about going to the
dentist but once there they will make the whole thing way less stressful.
My Teeth Look Fine, Do I Really Need to Go
to the Dentist?
Good
dental health is an integral part of your general well being and it's very
important to remember that oral health isn't all about tooth decay or
toothache. It actually has a much wider-reaching impact on your health than
most of us realize. Research carried out over the past decade revealed that
there is growing evidence that links poor oral health with such health
conditions and dementia, diabetes, heart disease and problems suffered through
pregnancy. Despite these findings, almost 50% of the UK population don't like
their teeth, 31% of UK adults currently have some degree of tooth decay and 29%
regularly suffer from toothache. And if you're looking for a good dentist, schedule an appointment at https://www.cherrywood-dental.com/woodbridge-office/.
What Are My Options?
Sedatives
are now widely used as relaxants within a dental surgery and those who have
been sedated during treatment report a much-improved experience once in that
dreaded dentist’s chair. There are several techniques used to administer the
sedatives and your dentist will talk to you about which is the best one for
you. The following are the main three ways that dentists will use to sedate
their patients;
Oral-
Best suited for anxiety classed as mild to moderate, this sedation takes the
form of a pill which the patient takes before their appointment. Depending on
which drug is given this could be taken the night before, or an hour before the
appointment. This sedative affects the area of the brain which is responsible
for anxiety and fear. The result is a feeling of calmness and relaxation.
Inhalation- If you have used gas and air during the delivery of a
child you will know exactly how this potent combination can both relieve pain
and bring about a state of relaxation. Nitrous
Oxide mixed with Oxygen is commonly used
in dentists surgeries and has the added benefits of being quick-acting and
wearing off quite quickly afterwards. Although you may feel relaxed and drowsy
you will still be awake and be able to talk to the dentist.
Intravenous- This drug is fed directly into your veins by way of a
needle, cannula, in either your arm or the back of the hand. The patient will
be awake and able to communicate but will feel way less anxious and very
relaxed about the whole thing. Afterwards, the patient will remember little of
the procedure which takes a lot of pressure off the dentist as they can carry
out their work easily and safely without worrying about the patient leaping
from the chair.
These
are solutions for anxiety and not a replacement for anaesthetic. As this is the
core of most peoples fear the sedative will be given first.
After Effects
Sedation
affects everyone differently and whilst it is considered safe for all the
recovery period can differ from patient to patient. It's generally advised not to attend appointments alone if you
are being sedated and don't drive yourself. Your coordination and motor skills
may be affected for up to 24 hours, as well as your ability to make important
decisions so never schedule an appointment with your solicitor or bank manager
after your visit to the dentist!
