Have No Fear, a Friendly Concord Dentist is Here

Dental phobia, which is also known as odontophobia and dental anxiety, is a commonplace fear that prevents millions of Americans from receiving dental treatment each year. Approximately 75 percent of Americans experience dental fear to some degree, ranging from mild to severe, while approximately 5 to 10 percent of American adults suffer from dental phobia, a condition that can become so intense that such individuals will avoid dental treatments at all costs. Fortunately, some reputable dentists provide reliable sedation solutions to still t he fears of their anxious patients.

Individuals who suffer from dental phobia have a higher risk of developing gum disease and tooth loss. Aside from these oral conditions, they may also have discolored or damaged teeth, which can severely impact their professional and social lives, as well as their self-confidence. Poor oral health can lead to poor overall health as well as lower life expectancy.

Some renowned dentists in California offer sedation dentistry to patients suffering from dental anxiety and phobia. Sedation dentistry involves the administration of oral sedation drugs— like diazepam, triazolam, and lorazepam— to facilitate dental procedures, and reduce the anxiety and fear of patients. Another available method is inhalation sedation, which utilizes nitrous oxide or laughing gas to induce relaxation in extremely nervous patients.