Sleep Dentistry for Anxious Patients
Fear, anxiety, and phobia are all real emotions that many patients experience when they visit their dentist. For some people, it is so severe that it keeps them from their routine visits, which then causes more significant problems that require more extensive dental work, contributing to their fears and anxiety. It's a vicious circle!
Dr Asad and his team offer comfortable solutions for patients with severe anxiety or phobia about dentistry with dental sedation in Brisbane. We can deliver IV sedation in a clinical setting or general anesthetic (GA) in a hospital.
The Difference Between Dental Anxiety and Phobia
Patients who suffer from dental fear or anxiety may experience symptoms like sweating, heart racing, distress, or panic attacks when it's time to visit their dentist. Your dentist can often help you work through mild anxiety to get the treatment you need for a healthy smile and optimal dental health.
Severe anxiety may cause you to avoid visiting the dentist regularly for routine teeth cleans and check-ups that help you avoid the need for more costly and invasive treatment. This is when your dental fear or anxiety can be classified as a phobia. Dental phobia may require assistance, like treatment with sedation, to overcome it.
What Causes Dental Anxiety or Phobia?
A lot of dental anxiety or phobia stems from bad experiences patients have had during childhood.
Other things that may cause or trigger dental fear are:
- Previous trauma to your face, head, or mouth
- The sounds of the drill or dental clinic
- Feeling claustrophobic (fear of small spaces) during treatment
- Fear of losing control
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Whatever the cause of your dental anxiety, your team at Sleep Dentistry Brisbane is well-equipped to help, and we have excellent solutions to help you relax and feel at ease in the dental chair.
The Importance of Maintaining Your Dental Health
Routine preventive dental teeth cleans and checks help protect your smile and dental health.
During your routine exams, your dentist monitors your current restorations for problematic wear and breakdown and screens you for early signs of concerns like tooth decay, cavities, periodontal (gum) disease, and oral cancer.
When these problems are detected early on, they're less invasive and less costly to treat. If these problems go undetected or are left untreated, they can result in more problematic and uncomfortable conditions like periodontitis (advanced gum disease), oral cancer, tooth infection, and loss.
Dental anxiety or phobia can prevent you from getting the care you need, resulting in many problems that impact your oral health and overall well-being.
Contact Sleep Dentistry Brisbane to Learn How We Can Help You
If you or your loved one needs some assistance overcoming severe dental anxiety or phobia, Dr Asad can help! We invite you to book a consultation with Dr. Asad to learn more about receiving your dental care while you comfortably sleep.
