Dental anxiety is the number one cause of people not getting preventive dental care. For many people, the fear of the dentist keeps them away until something is really wrong. As a result many people end up with serious cavities that need metal-free fillings, or, worse, a tooth requiring endodontic treatment (root canal) that must be capped with a dental crown. One of the most common effects of missing dental appointments, however, is periodontal disease , which can require costly and sometimes painful treatment.

However, there is no reason for you to avoid the dentist as a result of your anxiety. Instead, nowadays many people are finding relief from anxiety through sedation dentistry , sometimes confused with sleep dentistry. In sedation dentistry, sedation is used to reduce anxiety and make dental treatment easier. There are three major options for sedation dentistry.

Gaseous Sedation

Sedation using nitrous oxide (N2O, sometimes called "laughing gas") is the most traditional form of dental sedation. If properly utilized it is highly effective, and has no known dangers or side effects. It creates a euphoric, alert state of mind while numbing the body. Recovery is quick and complete: you can return to work fairly quickly after your dental appointment without special help. Many dentists still consider this the best option for sedation dentistry.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation utilizes a prescription pill that can be taken before coming to the dentist's office. The dosage is timed according to the estimated length of your procedure. The effect of oral sedation is to make you feel very relaxed during treatment. You are nonetheless fully awake and able to respond to the doctor's questions and requests. This is sometimes the best option for people who find they have difficulty actually making themselves go to the dentist, since you can begin to experience the effects of sedation before arriving at the dentist's office. The main drawback of this method is that the duration of the sedation is not as precisely controlled and can onset before or endure long after your procedure. For this reason it is recommended that you have someone drive you to and from your appointment. An additional benefit is the amnesiac effect of oral sedation, which allows you to forget what happened during your appointment.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is the most drastic form of sedation, and it does carry some risks. The majority of deaths during surgery occur as a result of side effects related to IV sedation. Nonetheless, for some people the ability to get completely knocked out during dental treatment is worth the relatively small risk. However, if you are considering IV sedation, make sure your dentist has an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist on hand during the procedure to monitor your sedation.

With all the options for sedation dentistry, there is no reason why even the most anxious of patients need ever avoid the dentist. If you have been putting off dental treatment because of anxiety, wait no more. Contact your dentist or cosmetic dentist today to learn more about these options.