Dental anxiety and the more severe dental phobia influence many Upper Arlington children.
Today’s post answers some questions asked about this important topic.
Are there any long-term effects of dental anxiety?
The most dangerous consequence is when a patient delays dental care until a pain becomes excruciating. At this point, the trouble is usually extremely advanced and requires extensive treatment.
Moreover, there are usually many other dental issues in varying stages of progression. Many oral conditions eventually cause a malfunction in other vital systems risking general health and well-being.
In addition to the emotional distress about dental treatment, the child who avoids dental care can become emotionally distressed about their unhealthy smile.
If my child has dental phobia or anxiety, what should I do to safeguard their oral health?
Schedule an appointment with me, Doctor Mark Miely of Mark A. Miely DDS in Upper Arlington. There are several distinct fears associated with dental anxiety. Fear of pain, fear of the unknown, fear of loss of control, and extreme embarrassment because of poor dental health are the most frequent concerns. During our consultation, we will address each of your child’s particular fears.
I have helped many pediatric patients manage their anxiety during dental exams and treatment.
First off, we take things slowly. I try my best to discuss exactly what should be happening during each procedure. I try to give friendly instruction concerning dental hygiene if requested.
If a local anesthetic is necessary, I employ my finely-honed procedures which cause zero to minimal discomfort. We agree upon a nonverbal signal, such as raising a hand, to cue me to remove my instrument from the child’s mouth. Then he/she can take a break, breathe deeply, regain composure, and ask questions.
These methods go a long way to calm anxious dental patients. At the very least, they help the son or daughter get through the treatment that is needed promptly. With each subsequent visit, the patient is comforted by increased familiarity, greater confidence, and a strengthened relationship with me and my caring team.
What if my child needs more help to get through treatment?
In the Upper Arlington dental community, the terms “sleep dentistry” and “oral conscious sedation” are both used, however, they are not exactly the same thing. There are three main types of sedation used in dentistry.
Level 1: Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or, informally, “laughing gas” is safe and effective. Nitrous oxide has been used in pediatric dental offices for decades because in many ways it is the primary mild sedative. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the child during the treatment without rendering them completely unconscious, and wears off quickly after the mask is removed. And no needles are necessary—an important feature for the needle-phobic youngster.
Level 2: Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives don’t start working as rapidly as nitrous oxide, but they help most patients achieve a deeper level of relaxation and rarely do these medicines lead to unconsciousness. Two common sedatives used by Upper Arlington dentists to alleviate patient’s fears are diazepam and triazolam.
Level 3: IV Sedation
IV sedation produces actual “sleep dentistry.” Most patients are completely oblivious to the dental procedures they are receiving. IV sedation is helpful for root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and oral surgery.
To learn more about overcoming dental anxiety, sedation dentistry, or any other dental topic, call Mark A. Miely DDS at 614-451-2100.
Contact Mark A. Miely DDS:
614-451-2100
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1840 Zollinger Rd
Upper Arlington, Ohio
43221