The dictionary definition of dentophobia is “the fear of dentists or dental procedures.” While there exists a range of findings on the number of people afraid of dental treatment, some surveys have reported findings as high as 80% of those surveyed, with others showing no less than 30%. Either way, it’s pretty safe to assume that there are people feeling at least some level of anxiety about going to their dentist in Ottawa, especially if the visit entails more than a straightforward cleaning.
There are a variety of reasons people develop fears or phobias and, not surprisingly, they tend to intensify over time. A common thread for many with dentophobia in particular, is a past bad experience with either a particular dentist or a procedure itself. Others simply feel embarrassed over the condition or look of their teeth and allowed this insecurity to grow into stronger feelings of distress. Fear of pain, a low threshold for pain, or fear of not having control of the situation also contributes to being afraid of going to the dentist. Fortunately, dentists in Ottawa have options in getting a fearful patient into a chair, and through a procedure, with the use of sedation dentistry.
For those panicking over their next dental procedure, rest easy, you can count on a dentist in Ottawa to offer some level of sedation dentistry. It is what it sounds like: A sedative given in order to achieve a comfortable and relaxed state in the patient. It is generally provided in one of three forms, the most common one being nitrous oxide—popularly known as laughing gas. It’s the lighter of the sedatives, and simply helps the patient feel more peaceful. Sometimes, however, a phobia can be so overwhelming that a patient’s Ottawa dentist will recommend producing a more deeply relaxed state through the use of oral (pills) or IV sedation. While this is not the same as an anesthetic, this scenario pretty much ensures a treatment or procedure can be carried out with a patient having little to no memory of it having happened.
Going the route of sedation dentistry with a dentist in Ottawa brings about benefits that are two-fold: The patient is contented and calm, or even oblivious to the situation at hand while the dentist enjoys an environment conducive to patient cooperation and as a result, the need for fewer traumatic visits! In other words, it’s a positive process—and outcome—for both patient and dentist alike.
