Does the idea of setting a dental appointment fill you with dread and fear? If you have been putting off your next cleaning, checkup, or dental treatment because you are afraid of what might happen, you’re not alone. Dental phobia affects as much as 15 percent of the population by some estimates, but fortunately today there is a solution that can help you get the care you need to remain healthy and avoid the anxiety and fear of the dentist: sedation dentistry.
Choosing the Right Sedation Dentist
Sedation dentistry is pretty widely known, and widely offered today, but that doesn’t mean that any Meridian dentist who says they provide this service is going to be safe and effective. Before you schedule your appointment, be sure to take the time to research the best dentists out there so you get high quality, safe care.
Ask the Right Questions
A simple online search will give you a list of dentists in Meridian, ID that provide sedation services. You can narrow this list down using referrals from friends and family, or reading online reviews from other patients. When you get a short list of dentists, the next step is to schedule a consultation. During this visit, it’s your job to “interview” each potential dentist, and it’s important to ask the right questions, such as:
- How long have you been providing sedation dentistry?
- What training do you have in sedation dentistry?
- What sedation methods do you offer—oral, intravenous, gas, etc.?
- Which type would you recommend for the procedure(s) I need?
- Have you ever had a patient that had a problem during sedation dentistry?
- What safety measures do you and your staff have in place in case something goes wrong?
- How long will it take for me to come out of the sedation?
- What follow-up care is required after sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective method to help you overcome your fears and anxieties associated with dental treatment, or allow a Meridian dentist to perform complex procedures that would otherwise require multiple visits. Most patients remember little or nothing from the procedure and are able to wake up feeling relaxed and rested instead of anxious and afraid. Oral health is essential to your overall health, and in many cases some simple preventive care and regular checkups can prevent the need for extensive (and expensive) treatment later. Don’t avoid the dentist because you are afraid—find out more about sedation dentistry today.