It’s one most people don’t know. It’s simple. Dentistry does not have to be painful—or a scary experience, even when treatment is necessary. Millions of Americans, nearly 30%, are afraid of the dentist. They avoid dental care at all costs, even when they are in pain or discomfort. But it no longer has to be that way. You avoid receiving care and as a result, your dental health deteriorates. When you are no longer able to stand the pain or discomfort and finally seek treatment, extensive restorative work is required. That means more time in the dental chair, more procedures, and more expense, which only furthers your trepidation. It is a nasty cycle and it must be broken.
You have probably heard of “sedation dentistry” or “sleep dentistry”. The process is quite simple, and there are options to find the right treatment for you, varying from just “laughing gas” to sedative pills taken before the appointment to even using an IV so that potent medications can be administered to help you relax and not even remember the treatment. It’s important to know that a visit to the dentist can be a positive experience.