Not everyone who feels nervous about dental visits shows it openly. Some patients will walk into an appointment, calmly sit through the procedures, and completely follow the instructions provided by the dentist, but may be experiencing high-functioning dental anxiety.
High-functioning dental anxiety is different from the type of anxiety that prevents a person from going to the dentist altogether. This type of anxiety means that a patient is able to go through the dental procedure; however, they will usually feel uncomfortable, tense, and mentally exhausted due to the anxiety they are feeling.
At Clove Dental Riverpark, we come across many patients who say, “I can get through dental work, but I’m not comfortable while doing so.” This is precisely where sedation can come in and help this patient type.
What is High-Functioning Dental Anxiety?
High-functioning dental anxiety is when a person experiences anxiety and/or stress related to visiting the dentist but still attends their dental appointments.
Patients with high-functioning dental anxiety will generally-
- Stay still during procedures
- Communicate clearly with the dentist.
- Attend appointments regularly
However, patients with high-functional dental anxiety will-
- Be extremely tense or uneasy during their appointment.
- Feel completely mentally drained once they have completed their appointment.
- Focus too much on noises or sensations that are present during their appointment.
A number of patients experience high-functional dental anxiety without the visible signs of anxiety. Due to this, many patients are now searching for a sedation dentist to help alleviate any potential concerns or fears they may have, regardless if those fears are visible.
Why Anxiety Isn’t Always Obvious
Some patients have had the chance to learn how to cope with their anxiety and will not even realize how anxious they are until they have an experience where they are relaxed due to the dentist using sedation.
Some of the common signs that patients may have hidden anxiety are-
- Clenching hands or jaw during treatment.
- Trouble sleeping before an appointment.
- Feeling exhausted afterwards.
- Increased sensitivity to sounds or vibrations.
If you are experiencing any signs of anxiety, a good sedation dentist is someone you can work with to help reduce the physical and emotional stress associated with the dental procedure.
Why More Patients Are Choosing Sedation
Patients are beginning to view sedation dentistry in a more positive light. It is no longer considered an option available only for extreme cases, but rather is something that any patient who wants a more comfortable experience can consider.
Some of the reasons patients are seeking sedation for their dental treatment are-
- Comfort Without Avoidance- Patients do not have to delay their dental appointments because of discomfort.
- Reduction of Mental Stress- Even if a patient can tolerate the dental procedures, the reduction of stress can make the experience easier.
- Enhanced Focus for the Dentist- When a patient is relaxed and less stressed, this allows the dentist to provide treatment more accurately and efficiently.
- Positive Future Visits- If a patient has a relaxing experience during a dental appointment, they will have a more favorable impact on their future visits to the dentist.
This change in thinking regarding sedation dentistry is why many patients are interested in looking for a sedation dentist, even patients who do not perceive themselves as anxious.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation?
Sedation can be beneficial to many patients, not just those who have a fear of dental treatment.
If you find that you may benefit from the services of a sedation dentist, you may fit these criteria.
You could use sedation if you-
- Feel anxious when you visit the dentist for treatment.
- Have reactions to a gag reflex that are hard to control.
- Have several appointments or lengthy ones at the dentist.
- Have difficulty remaining still for a long time.
- Want a more relaxed experience during dental treatment.
There is also a reason to consider sedation if you have experienced even mild discomfort or any level of anxiety before or during a visit to the dentist.
Changing the Way We Think About Dental Visits
Traditionally, people have associated going to the dentist with fear and anxiety. Many patients have accepted this as being part of their experience.
Recently, there has been a shift away from that mindset and patients are becoming more aware of the options available to them and willing to pick one that provides greater comfort.
At Clove Dental Riverpark, we can see this trend, as patients who previously “just dealt with” their appointment are now seeking out sedation to create a better experience, this is now an elective choice rather than one of necessity.
Final Thoughts
The amount of dental anxiety that a patient has may vary; for some patients, it may not be expressed as much or for others it may be. No matter what type of experience you may have, they are both valid.
Choosing sedation is not to avoid receiving treatment, it is to create a better experience for all patients when they are at the dentist. The same is true for the calmer patient as they may also want the additional comfort that results from that style of dentistry.
If you are looking for a sedation dentist, you are likely ready to have a completely different experience than you previously had during your visits to the dentist. Your dental experience should be easier, more comfortable, and less stressful from beginning to end!