While some patients might enjoy going to the dentist, unfortunately, that’s not the case for most people. Dental phobia is very common and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Dentophobia, or the fear of the dentist, is a common phobia among people of all ages. It’s sometimes related to iatrophobia, or a fear of doctors, as well as a fear of needles.
Some of our patients just tolerate us, and others won’t even step through the doors without some sort of help. That’s why we’re happy to offer sedation dentistry to our patients who need a little extra help overcoming their fears.
What is it?
Sedation is a medical way of relaxing a patient, and Dr. Arnold uses oral conscious sedation. This is a fairly deep level of sedation. You are so profoundly relaxed and comfortable that your memory of the appointment is likely to be spotty. Many patients don’t even remember their appointment at all.
How does it work?
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill about an hour before your appointment, which sedates you for several hours. During the appointment, your vital functions are monitored and your dental work is completed while you’re in a dreamy, relaxed state. The sedative effects will wear off only gradually, so you’ll need to have someone drive you home afterward.
Patients who haven’t been to the dentist in a long time often find that they need a little extra work done to repair the damage of years without dental care. In these cases, sedation is especially useful. Because of the relaxed state you’re in, you can have much more work done in one sitting than you’d be able to if you didn’t have it.
Even if you aren’t fearful, sedation dentistry can be very useful. Without a little help, many people find it difficult and very uncomfortable to sit that long with their mouth open. Often times, people who haven’t been to the dentist in a while fear they’ll be judged by the dentist and staff. We can assure you that’s not the case at Arnold Dental. We’ll never judge or lecture you but we WILL treat you like family. We realize that it’s pretty normal for people with dental anxiety to avoid coming to the dentist. We’ll just be glad you decided to come in. We genuinely want to help you in any way that we can.
Is it safe?
Sedation dentistry has a long and proven track record of safety. The reason it’s called conscious sedation is that you aren’t unconscious. Your vital functions continue as they normally would, and your reflexes, such as coughing to clear your airway, are fully functional. We’d also like to reassure you that Dr. Arnold did a general practice residency in anesthesia, so he has more training than most when it comes to sedation. At Arnold Dental, you know you’ll be in good hands.
Make an Appointment
If you’re ready to try sedation dentistry, you may call our office @ (859) 269-1000 to schedule an appointment. Or if you prefer, you may click here to request an appointment online.
Ever since he was little Dr. J. Fred Arnold wanted to be a dentist. He has lived in Kentucky all of his life, except for three years he spent serving in the Air Force (1984-1987). He and his wife Holly have raised their family here and couldn’t imagine spending life anywhere else. They love the great schools and the emphasis on arts and culture.