Dental phobia is where the fear of dentistry is so extreme that sufferers refuse to attend check-ups or somehow prevent important treatments. Obviously, not attending check-ups and surgeries will have a pretty negative and potentially painful impact on the oral health of those suffering from dental phobia. Members of The British Dental Foundation found that a quarter of people admitted to being afraid of the dentist.
How can it be helped?
Phobias are, by their very definition, irrational. It would be quite easy to imagine someone being well aware that they need treatment – it’s just they also feel they won’t be able to go through with it. Thankfully, some methods of helping with dental phobia are available. One such technique is known as intravenous sedation.
What is intravenous sedation then?
Intravenous sedation makes you feel calm and untroubled by the dental procedure you are going through. You won’t be asleep, though you might find it hard to recall much of your treatment after it has finished. Some have even compared the effects of intravenous sedation to feeling a little drunk! During treatment, you will easily be able to react to questions your dentist has asked you.
How does it work?
IV sedation is gently injected. If you’re also afraid of needles, some clinics can provide a numbing cream for the site of the injection, but other approaches may need to be considered. The sedative is essentially applied through a very thin needle into a vein very close to the surface of your flesh.
Talk to us
We at City Dental Leeds will treat any concerns you have with the utmost respect. If you want to face your fears, then please contact one of our attentive staff members.
