Column: Anxiety-free dentistry now possible

Dental fear is a hidden phobia – the monster in the closet that no one wants to talk about. Many people are embarrassed to admit their fears and even more afraid to confront them.

Statistics say that more than 40 percent of Americans are afraid of the dentist. I suspect this percentage is even higher and is the result of childhood fears carried for a lifetime.

Often times, even loved ones and family members are unaware of the silent apprehension and suffering. Consequently, simple dental treatment is delayed for many years until the problems take on a life of their own.

By that time, extensive restorative work is required. That means more time in the dental chair, more procedures and more expense, which only furthers the trepidation. It is a tragic cycle that can be easily broken.

Modern dentistry offers safe, effective and comfortable treatments, without the use of IV needles, to anxious and fearful patients. You may have heard this treatment called anxiety-free dentistry, relaxation dentistry or even sleep dentistry.

The best and most accurate name is oral sedation dentistry. Trained sedation dentists have a variety of protocols available to customize to each patient’s physiological and pharmacological needs. So, even if you have a unique medical condition, there still may be options.

A number of medications that can be taken by mouth have been developed especially for these purposes, subjected to rigorous research and testing, are safe and have been used for decades. Some of these can even help you remember little of the visit, preventing the sounds and smells from lingering in your thoughts.

Hours seem like minutes and recovery is a dream. Often years of neglect can be reversed in one or two well-planned visits.

For more information on oral sedation dentistry, speak with your family dentist or call my office for a complimentary consultation.

(Steve Davidson is a doctor of dental surgery in Libby).