Bogota Dental Center
85 East Main Street
Bogota, NJ 07603
888-505-1145

Sedation Dentistry

Patients who are afraid of having dental work done can rest easy with sedation dentistry. Being anxious and fearful of the dentist can make it difficult for you and your dentist to provide the dental care needed. Sedation dentistry allows you to relax and be comfortable during your dental treatment. It is a safe and effective way to ensure your dentist visit is a positive and painless experience.

Afraid of the Dentist?

Dentophobia is the extreme fear of going to the dentist. According to the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, 30 percent of the population is afraid of going to the dentist. While not everyone qualifies as having a phobia for the dentist, their fears may still keep them from seeking dental treatment on a regular basis. People who fear the dentist may only go when they feel they are having a dental emergency.

People who have a strong or extreme fear of the dentist report their fears began after a traumatic, difficult or painful experience while being treated. Phobias may also develop if a patient fails to build a relationship with their dentist. Some patients report their dentist as being uncaring, impersonal and cold. Having these feelings may cause patients to be apprehensive about visiting a dentist. There are a few behavioral techniques used to treat dentophobia. Many dentists practice sedation dentistry on fearful patients to help make the experience less frightening.

Calming the Fear

Sedation dentistry is used to make dental treatment more relaxing for patients who have a fear of the dentist. It allows patients with mild to severe forms of dentophobia to get the dental care they need. Dentists help their patients avoid anxiety and stress induced attacks with sedation dentistry.

A patient who needs to be sedated can use one of many sedatives. The dentist or dental assistant may administer a sedative drug like a tranquillizer, depressant, anti-anxiety medication or nitrous oxide. Drugs can be administered intravenously or through gas inhalation. Some dentist may use oral sedation dentistry. Patients sleep through the entire treatment process and in some cases do not remember even being at the dentist. Taking a sedative before dental treatment makes procedures comfortable and anxiety free for patients who are afraid of the dentist.

Before Sedation

Patients who think sedation dentistry may be right for them should research the pros and cons to the practice. It is important only trained professionals administer sedative drugs or gases. Patients who are too afraid to go to the dentist should talk to friends and family about which dentist they prefer. Researching the dentist's qualifications may help some patients build trust and confidence in the dentist. If the patient is able, it is a good idea to meet the dentist a few times before having the procedure done. Patients should take every opportunity to discuss their fears and get information on sedation dentistry.