Control Dental Phobias with Sedation Dentistry

Anxiety and pain can be modified by both psychological and pharmacological techniques, such as sedation. In some instances, psychological approaches are sufficient. However, in many instances, pharmacological approaches are required. Local anesthetics are used to control regional pain. Sedative drugs and techniques may control fear and anxiety, but do not control pain by themselves and, thus, are commonly used in conjunction with local anesthetics. General anesthesia, or sedation dentistry, provides complete relief from both anxiety and pain.

The effective control of anxiety and pain (implemented through an array of methods including sedation dentistry) has been an integral part of dental practice since the early development of the profession. Use of a wide variety of anxiety and pain control techniques has enabled the profession to extend oral health care to millions of individuals who would otherwise remain untreated.

Without effective anxiety and pain control, numerous dental procedures are virtually impossible and many patients do not seek needed dental treatment. In addition, both anxiety and pain control techniques are often essential for the management of special patients, young children and the mentally and physically challenged. The use of sedative and anesthetic techniques by appropriately trained dentists in the dental office and other settings continues to have a remarkable record of safety.

According to the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS Education), 30 percent of the population avoids the dentist due to fear. This all-too-common "dental phobia" prevents people from receiving necessary routine dental care, potentially compromising the health and functionality of their mouth and smile. So if you have sensitive teeth, a fear of dentists, have a bad gag reflex, hate needles, or have limited time to spend on dental care at the dentist, sedation during dentistry procedures can help you.

For more information on pain and anxiety control, please visit our sedation dentistry page.

If you would like to experience sedation dentistry, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Madison by calling (310)553-2940.

If you have any other questions or comments regarding this article, please contact us at (310) 553-2940 or by email at periodontics@earthlink.net.

Dr. Miles Madison, D.D.S., is an award-winning periodontist in Beverly Hills, California.