Do you dread going to the dentist? Many people experience anxiety when they think about visiting their local dental care provider. You might be afraid of pain, or perhaps you’ve had negative experiences in the past. Some people avoid the dentist because they hate needles. Whatever your reasons for anxiety are, there are ways to conquer your fears. Sedation Dentistry in Las Cruces, combined with other techniques for cutting stress, can help make taking care of your oral health much easier.
Ask Your Dentist About Sedation Dentistry
Sedation helps you relax while the dentist in Las Cruces is working on your pearly whites. It’s suitable for most patients, and your dental care provider will likely be happy to provide it for you. There are a couple different types of sedation that can be used:
- Oral conscious sedation. A pill gives you a feeling of well-being during your dental procedure. You take the pill about an hour before your treatment begins. You’ll be conscious while you’re getting worked on, but you may not remember anything after all is said and done.
- Nitrous oxide sedation. This employs nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas. Your dentist will use a nasal mask to administer the sedative, and you’ll feel great during your dental work. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly when you’re no longer exposed to it, so you can get back to your normal routine in a jiffy.
Ask Questions
Feel free to ask questions about how any of the dentist’s tools work or exactly what a procedure entails. Understanding what is about to happen to your mouth can alleviate some of your stress. For example, many people are afraid of root canal therapy because they perceive it as a painful procedure. However, it’s not a painful procedure; it can actually relieve pain and save your tooth. Don’t you feel better already?
Bring a Buddy
Remember when you were a kid and one of your parents was always there to comfort you when you were afraid? Well, as an adult, you don’t have to drag Mom or Dad to the dentist with you, but you might think about asking your friend or significant other to come along. They can distract you and/or comfort you while your dentist is at work.
Before you invite your buddy to come, though, ask your dentist if it’s all right to have another person in the room. You don’t want to make any assumptions, especially if space in the exam room is limited.
Find the Right Dentist
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your dental care provider. You can visit the office before your appointment to see if you like the atmosphere and the staff. You might even be able to say a brief hello to the dentist. Being confident that the people in the office are friendly and care about you can go a long way toward relieving anxiety.
Dental fears? Use the above tips to relieve anxiety so you can have your teeth cared for without undue worry.
About the Dentists
Drs. Ramon J. Ortiz and Natalie Ortiz are your dentists at Painted Skies Dental. They are eager to help their patients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. If you have any questions about how to make going to the dentist a positive experience, reach out to Painted Skies Dental at 575-521-8720.