Many of us don’t enjoy visiting the dentist, but do because we know how important it is to maintaining good oral health. However, for some, going to the dentist isn’t just unpleasant, it’s downright frightening. For those who are frightened by the prospect of a simple cleaning or check-up, having more serious dental procedures performed can be a nightmare.
Since we obviously avoid the things that frighten us, people who are fearful or phobic of the dentist often have poor oral health, due to irregular dental visits, if any. Unfortunately, neglecting oral health can lead to major dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, which require dental procedures that are way more frightening than a routine cleaning!
For those who require dental surgery, the prospect of being under anesthesia may provide a whole new dimension of fear. The good news is that dentists are now more sensitive than ever to patients who are fearful and phobic, and will do all they can to put these patients at ease.
For those who are afraid of anesthesia, there are a few options to lessen this fear. It’s a common fear, with many patients worrying about not waking up, or waking up during surgery. First of all, it’s important to remind yourself how unlikely it is for complications to arise from anesthesia. Statistically it is 40 times more likely for someone to be struck by lightning than to die from anesthesia-related complications.
Communicate
If you have fear or a phobia related to anesthesia, it’s important that you communicate this to your dentist prior to dental surgery. They will then be able to do all they can to be sensitive, and to address any concerns or questions you have about the process.
Ask Questions, Voice Concerns
You should be able to speak directly to the anesthesiologist before surgery. You can let them know your concerns, ask them questions, and relate any medical history to them. Your anesthesiologist will be professional and experienced, and hopefully by speaking to them you will feel reassured that you are in good hands.
Be Honest
It’s very important to be completely forthright with your dentist about any pertinent medical history, any medications you are taking, and any other relevant information. The more you can tell your surgeon and anesthesiologist, the more they can do to make sure you are at ease before, during, and after surgery.
Hopefully these tips will help you remain calm during your dental procedure. Remember that you will be in great hands. The key is to be as honest and detailed as possible when informing your dentist about your fears. They will understand, and do all in their power to create a stress-free experience.