If you suffer from an overwhelming fear of dentists and dental procedures, you know how easy it is to “forget” to schedule regular appointments. This is actually a very common problem and affects millions of patients. Unfortunately postponing dental treatment almost always results in more invasive and more costly treatment.
 
At our Provo Sedation Dental Office your comfort and well being are of the greatest importance to our team. We work closely with you to reduce stress and provide painless and efficient treatments. We employ the most recent technological advancements including minimally invasive procedures that reduce your time in the chair and potential discomfort.

But these factors alone may not give you the peace of mind you’re looking for when visiting your dentist. So what can you do to help alleviate this anxiety? Feeling a loss of being in control contributes to dental phobia. Here are some practical tips to help you feel more in control during your dental appointments and hopefully reduce your stress level.

Communicate with your dentist – You may find it embarrassing to talk about your fear, but your dentist needs to be aware of your anxiety in order to take the necessary precautions during treatment.

Agree on a signal – Patients are often afraid that the dentist won’t know when and if they are experiencing pain or anxiety, and this contributes to their fear. Agree to a signal with your dentist beforehand. A simple “stop” hand signal can be used to alert your dentist to your discomfort immediately.

Use a throat spray – If you worry about gagging, sprays used for sore throats can help to keep the gag reflex under control for the duration of the appointment.

Sedation – Sedation offers an excellent solution for many patients who would not otherwise be able to endure the treatment. Discuss the different types of sedation options available with your dentist before the appointment so you know exactly what to expect.

The best way to combat dental phobia, however, is to gather information beforehand. At our Provo Sedation Dentist office, we are always available for a consultation to discuss procedures and treatments to help you understand exactly what your appointment will involve.

Many new patients come to me expressing great fear and hesitation because of dental phobia. Like these patients, you may be suffering with the same fears. You should know that you are not alone, and this is a fairly common issue for many people. However, this fear can result in neglected oral care and long-term problems that become difficult and costly to repair if left untreated. But rest assured that there are many options available through Sedation Dentistry. When you come in for a consultation, my first goal will be to alleviate your fear by discussing advancements in modern sedation dentistry and how they have improved the experience for patients like yourself who suffer from dental phobia.

Sedation Dentistry refers to the practice of administering one of any number of sedatives that will reduce pain and fear and enable you to become quite relaxed. It is important to remember that these treatments will only be administered after we’ve discussed your specific dental fears and you feel comfortable enough with me and your surroundings to trust that your fears are being addressed compassionately. Through the use of Sedation Dentistry, your visits to Provo Dentist Office can be swift and anxiety-free from start to finish.

At Provo Dental we will match your needs with the correct treatment or combination of treatments, and you will be fully informed about each type of sedation treatment. An important thing to keep in mind is that everyone reacts differently to different types of sedation. There are many factors to take into account when choosing your best sedation option, including your physical structure and mental mindset. Specific sedation options are discussed in detail in our Sedation Dentistry Information Packet. Some of these treatments include:

•    Inhalation Sedation
•    Oral Sedation
•    IV (Intravenous) Sedation
•    General Anesthesia (GA)

A controlled and regulated approach to your chosen level of sedation allows me to monitor your comfort throughout the duration of your treatment and ensure that your post-procedure experience leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed. With Sedation Dentistry at Provo Cosmetic Dentist, you can now achieve the beautiful smile that you have always wanted without fear, stress or anxiety.