Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects many people, causing them to avoid essential dental care. Whether it’s the fear of pain, the sound of dental instruments, or past traumatic experiences, these sore spots can make even a simple checkup and cleaning feel overwhelming.
While dental anxiety is common and completely understandable, it’s also important to address it so that you can enjoy good oral health. If you experience this condition, you may wish to look into sleep dentistry: a service that Stanley St. Dental specialises in, alongside our high-end cosmetic dentistry offerings.
Dental Anxiety: What It Is & What It Can Look Like
Dental anxiety refers to the nervousness or fear associated with visiting the dentist. This can range from mild uneasiness to severe phobia, leading some individuals to delay or avoid dental treatment altogether. While postponing or neglecting dental appointments is a common way to manage the condition, this strategy often leads to more serious problems, such as tooth decay or periodontal gum disease. The more severe the condition, the more likely the need for a complex procedure, such as root canal treatment. In a worst-case scenario, tooth extraction may even be necessary.
Sleep Dentistry: What It Is & When It’s Used
Sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, is a practice whereby patients go under general anaesthesia to undergo dental treatments — be that for a routine checkup and cleaning or a complex procedure such as dental implant placement. Due to the surgical nature of the more invasive dental procedures — be it wisdom tooth extraction or placing All-On-4 dental implants — sleep dentistry is usually mandatory. However, sleep dentistry can also provide relief during more straightforward procedures. Patients need only request it!
How Sleep Dentistry Can Help a Nervous Patient
1. Pain-Free Treatment
Not only will the general anaesthesia numb your entire awareness, but it will also numb the area being treated. Hence, you can undergo dental procedures minus the pain.
2. Eases Anxiety
If you attend the dentist knowing you’ll neither feel nor recall a thing, this can reduce the fear associated with dentistry — think of it as exposure therapy! Over time, you may even find the sleep-like state unnecessary and come to tolerate lower-level sedation techniques, which allow you to remain alert yet relaxed.
3. Improves Oral Health
With sleep dentistry as an option, nervous patients may feel more inclined to undergo the dental work they need. Of course, if patients schedule rather than postpone their appointments, better oral health will be a natural consequence.
Can You Undergo Sleep Dentistry for Cosmetic Procedures?
At Stanley St. Dental, we understand the importance of a beautiful, healthy smile and how anxiety can stand in the way of achieving it. Our high-end cosmetic dentistry services will enhance your appearance while also factoring in your comfort and peace of mind. While it’s uncommon to undergo sedation for cosmetic procedures such as Zoom teeth whitening, it is an option for our more anxious patients. When you book your next cosmetic procedure, ask your dentist about sleep dentistry options.
Enjoy the Beautiful Benefits of Dentistry One Sedation at a Time
Dental anxiety is a significant barrier to achieving and maintaining good oral health, but it doesn’t have to be. Sleep dentistry offers a solution that allows patients to undergo necessary and even elective procedures without fear or discomfort. If dental anxiety has kept you from seeking the care you need, contact Stanley St. Dental today. We are your local specialist cosmetic dentist with accessible sleep dentistry and a wealth of patience for our patients.
Our empathetic and professional team is here to help you overcome your fears and achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Take advantage of our accepted health fund and partnerships — schedule your consultation now and take the first step towards a more confident, anxiety-free dental experience.