Dentophobia (most commonly called ‘fear of the dentist’) is a common and understandable concern for many individuals. This fear can stem from various sources, including past traumatic experiences, fear of pain, or even the sounds and smells associated with dental procedures. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers numerous medications that can help patients reduce their anxiety and make their dental visits more manageable.
Is fear of the dentist preventing you from getting the dental work you need to restore your oral health? At Austin Laser Dentist in Austin, TX, we have simple yet gentle solutions that can make dental care much more enjoyable. Contact Dr. Helen Ragsdale today at (512) 346-4690 to see how we can help!
Studies suggest that almost 40% of the population experiences some form of dentophobia. In this post, we explore the different kinds of medications that can assist in overcoming your fear of the dentist (dentophobia).
Local Anesthetics
The fear of dental pain is one of the leading causes of dentophobia. But if patients know that they won’t feel any pain during treatments, that can significantly alleviate anxiety.
To accomplish this pain-free experience, dentists often use local anesthetics to desensitize the area being treated. The numbness should persist during the appointment and slowly wear off over the next couple of hours.
Oral Sedatives
Dentists can prescribe oral sedatives (such as diazepam or alprazolam) to help patients relax before a dental appointment. Typically, patients take these medications 30 to 60 minutes before an appointment, providing a calming effect during treatment.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Dentists administer laughing gas (medically known as nitrous oxide) through a mask sitting on the patient’s face. The constant flow of gas provides a safe yet effective dose of nitrous oxide, inducing a state of relaxation and euphoria. Unlike local anesthesia, nitrous oxide wears off very quickly.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Intravenous sedation (commonly termed ‘conscious sedation’) uses sedative drugs through an IV line to accomplish a deep state of relaxation. Dentists often reserve this for more extensive dental work or for patients with an extreme fear of the dentist.
General Anesthesia
In some cases, when patients have severe dentophobia or require complex oral surgery, dentists may use general anesthesia. This method puts the patient into a deep sleep throughout the procedure, ensuring they feel no discomfort or retain any memories of the experience.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Anti-anxiety medications (benzodiazepines) can be very helpful for patients who experience extreme fear of the dentist. However, many healthcare professionals only prescribe these drugs as part of a comprehensive anxiety-management plan. It may be best to discuss these medications with your primary care physician or mental healthcare team.
Fear of the dentist? We can help!
It’s essential to communicate your fears and concerns with a trusted dentist like Dr. Ragsdale. Our team can work with you to create a personalized plan that may include medications, sedation options, and psychological support to make your dental visits more comfortable.
If you’d like to learn more about sedation dentistry, contact Austin Laser Dentist online or call our crew at (512) 346-4690.
