So many people have such a fear of the dentist that they never get their teeth looked at by a professional. Yet what if they could come in without any fear whatsoever, and remember only a peaceful, calm visit, no matter what work they had done on their teeth? Dr. Kirk Petersen, DMD, runs Hemet West Dental Office in Hemet, California, and practices sedation dentistry, where those who are scared are given special medication to calm them down.
We have had quite a few patients who have put off necessary dental treatment for years and years due to fear. Having dental treatment done while they are sedated makes it comfortable and free of fear for them, and we are able to get years and years worth of needed treatment done in one or two visits.
After the treatment is carried out with sedation, we often have found that many of our patients are able to have further treatment done without sedation. It seems that the sedation really cures their dental phobia.
Special Protocol
We actually have a special protocol we use when a patient who is scared of the dentist initially calls on the phone. The person who answers the phone spends a good amount of time, usually about 20 to 30 minutes, with them on the phone to comfort them and explain the benefits of having dental treatment. It works because most of the patients who call us have really decided before the call that it’s for them.
When they finally come in, we use oral conscious sedation, which is a combination of oral medications, pills that we crush up and put under the tongue, where they work faster. When they have the pills under their tongues, they are at a point where they can respond to us, they can talk and are aware of what is going on. I would say it’s probably at the level where you would feel like you are just about to fall asleep.
Combination Meds
The medication we use is a combination of things. The most common one that we use is called Triazolam. It is similar to Valium but it has the added benefit of producing amnesia as well. So the patient does not really recall much about the visit afterwards, which is why they are willing to come back!
It is estimated that in the United States about 35% of the population never visit a dentist due to fear and anxiety. So if we can provide a way that will come in and get dental treatment — not just as a one-off but again and again — then we are performing an invaluable service.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
