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Methods Used to Deal with Dental Phobia |
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Page 1 of 3 There are various means of relaxation and pain reducing techniques available for your dentist to offer you. This depends on what he uses in his office and finds brings him the best success to getting the job done...
Intravenous Sedation, or IV’s is the preferred choice of many patients who have to have extensive dental work. Administered by a qualified dentist, this way of relaxing the patient is beneficial to the patient and the dentist. The amount of solution you are given, depends on the amount of work being done in your mouth. You will have to answer a medical questionnaire prior to this being administered to you. If you have heart problems, or are overweight or prone to hypertension, this would not be advisable for you to have done. Medication Some dentists will prescribe a mild sedative that you need to take 30-40 minutes before you arrive at their office. Although this takes the edge off the anxiety, this type of medication does not always allow you to not experience pain from the procedure. If you take the oral medication, the dentist will not give you anything else except localized numbing agents while working on your mouth.
General Anesthesia Being “put under” always carries a risk to the patient. Although it may sound like just what the doctor ordered, being put out all the way for a procedure is something to consider carefully. Any time you are administered general anesthesia, you go unconscious and your body slows. You are being monitored carefully, and besides a dentist there should also be an anesthesiologist in the room. Prior to being administered this drug, the anesthesiologist has spoken to you at great length, knows your medical history and is knowledgeable enough to give you the right amount of drugs to keep you safe. But, there is always that risk. If you held something back from the medical questionnaire or if something goes amiss, there can be repercussions.
There are also side effects when you wake up. Headache, grogginess, listlessness, dry mouth, nausea, blurred vision, even vomiting. The dentist will have you lie down in another room for at least 30-45 minutes. You will be covered with a light blanket and someone will be checking your vital signs during that time. Once they stabilize, you will be allowed to sit up and “dangle” your feet for a few minute. Then if you are able to walk , you are allowed to leave, but not to drive home. Bring a friend with you to be the driver and to offer support. << Start < Previous 1 2 3 Next > End >> |