Dental anxiety and the more severe dental phobia affect many people, including some of our patients at Designer Smiles in Fargo. Sedation dentistry has helped many of them. This post answers some questions asked about anxiety and dentist appointments.
What are the long-term consequences of dental anxiety and dental phobia?
The most harmful consequence is when a dental phobic patient delays dental care until a pain becomes excruciating. At this point, the trouble is usually advanced and may require extensive treatment.
Furthermore, there may be other dental issues in varying stages of progression. Many oral conditions eventually cause malfunction in other vital systems risking general health and well-being.
If I have dental phobia or anxiety, what should I do to protect my oral health?
Schedule an appointment with us at Designer Smiles. There are several specific fears associated with dental anxiety and dental phobia. Fear of pain, fear of the unknown, fear of loss of control, and extreme embarrassment because of poor dental health are the most common concerns. During your consultation, we will address each of your specific fears and discuss them.
What if I need more help to get through treatment?
Sedation dentistry may be the answer. We offer three types:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or, informally, “laughing gas” is safe and effective. Nitrous oxide has been used in Fargo cosmetic dental offices for decades because in many ways it is the prime mild sedative. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the treatment without rendering them completely unconscious, and wears off quickly after the mask is removed. And no needles are necessary – an important feature for the needle-phobic.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives don’t start working as quickly as nitrous oxide, but they help most patients achieve a deeper level of relaxation. These medications, however, do not usually bring about complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are used in “conscious” sedation.
NuCalm
NuCalm is an alternative to medication. It involves several techniques that, together, stimulate the body’s natural relaxation ability. It is an excellent choice for anyone who doesn’t want to have any type of medication.
Sedation dentistry from Designer Smiles in Fargo is there to help our patients get the dental care they need, in spite of any anxiety. Our services include a wide range of general dentistry procedures. We also take patients from West Fargo, Moorhead, and the surrounding area. Call for a checkup and cleaning today!
Contact Designer Smiles:
701-298-9400
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3525 25th St S
Fargo, North Dakota
58104
