People who have anxiety or an outright phobia about going to the dentist need a Dental Clinic in St Peter MN that provides compassionate, gentle care. Some individuals worry they will be judged negatively by a dentist who believes anxiety about dental procedures is silly. Today’s dentists, however, have recognized that patients will avoid going in for routine and necessary care whenever possible if they are too nervous about the process.
A Dental Clinic in St Peter MN can provide sedation in very mild forms as well as stronger medications. A patient who has never been giving nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, may be surprised at how effective it is because it’s so relaxing. The gas is delivered through a nose mask the patient can remove and put back on as desired. This gives the patient complete control over the sedation, and the effects wear off almost immediately.
Intravenous sedation and medication is taken orally just before the appointment are other possibilities at a clinic such as North Mankato Family Dentistry. These drugs make the person feel sleepy and unconcerned. Some patients actually do fall asleep as the dentist works on the teeth. Even if they stay awake, they may not remember what took place once the sedation wears off. These options are particularly suitable when someone must have a lengthy procedure or multiple dental treatments over the course of more than one appointment. The patient will need a ride home afterward, as these medications have lingering effects.
Fear and avoidance of the dental clinic can be harmful to a person’s health. When tartar is not cleared away from the teeth, it irritates the gums and causes a continuous low level of inflammation that is stressful to the body. Tooth decay that is not removed promptly can worsen and spread to other teeth, eventually resulting in teeth needing to be extracted or actually falling out on their own. The person may live in chronic mouth discomfort because of general teeth and gum pain that limits the ability to chew hard foods. Instead of putting up with this discomfort, the person may schedule an appointment with a dental clinic that provides compassionate care.
