Dental anxiety is a term used to describe fear, anxiety or stress in a dental setting. Being scared to visit the dentist can result in delaying or avoiding dental treatment.
There are many reasons why some people have dental anxiety. Some of the common reasons include:
- Fear of pain
- Trust issues
- A traumatic dental experience or other healthcare experiences
- Fear of loss of control
- Embarrassment and loss of personal space
- Generalized anxiety, depression or post-traumatic experiences, including abuse
Signs and symptoms:
- Sweating
- Visible distress, crying or signs of panic
- Racing heartbeat or palpitations
- Low blood pressure and possible fainting
Effects of dental anxiety on health:
Most dental disease is lifestyle-related and preventable. By avoiding going to the dentist, not only are you more likely to need more complex treatments when you do finally attend, but you are also missing out on learning how to better care for your oral health. Also it is better to know the Top 10 dentist in Mumbai for a visit.
The lifestyle factors that lead to dental disease are very similar to those that lead to diabetes, obesity, heart disease and some cancers, so taking care of your oral and general health is very important.
Management:
- Share your fears - expressing your concerns will help dentist adapt the treatment to your needs
- Listen to some tunes - if the sound of drill bothers you, bring along your favorite music and earphones.
- Choose a low-stress appointment time.
- Use hand signals – when you feel uncomfortable, signal the dentist to ease off or stop the procedure.
- Focus on breathing regularly and slowly during dental procedures.
- Watch what you eat and drink – avoid caffeine before a dental appointment. Eat high-protein foods which produce a calming effect.
Dr. Krinita Motwani
Email: drkrinitamotwani@gmail.com
Website: www.drkrinitamotwani.com
Mbl: +91 9820280343
Comments
I would like to add some of the sedation dentistry types.
Here are some common types of sedation used in dentistry:
Oral Sedation
It varies from minimal to moderate, depending on the total dose given. For minimal sedation, you are given a pill 60 minutes before the dental procedure. The pill makes you drowsy but keeps you awake. A larger dose is used for moderate sedation. Moderate sedation makes patients fall asleep, but they can be awakened with a gentle shake.
Inhaled Minimal (Nitrous Oxide) Sedation
You will inhale nitrous oxide (laughing gas) via a mask placed on your nose. Your dentist will monitor and control the amount of sedation you receive. The gas helps you relax and wears off quickly. This is the only sedation that allows you to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Intravenous Sedation
You will receive the sedation through your vein so that it can work effectively and quickly. This sedation allows your dentist to control and adjust the level of sedation continuously. Regardless of the type of sedation used, your dentist will apply a numbing medication on the area being treated to reduce pain.