Have you ever had someone tell you to “just calm down?” Sure, we all probably have heard those words. Yet they seem ridiculous in a state of panic. After all, wouldn’t we calm down if we could? If you fear going to the dentist or doctor, you are far from alone. Being poked, prodded, examined, and questioned makes even the most mellow person somewhat uneasy. However, for some people, the feelings go far beyond a little nervousness. Some people are so phobic about dental appointments that they avoid going to the dentist altogether. Cerritos, CA dentist, Dr. Hofkes offers intravenous sedation dentistry to patients who are particularly anxious or require dental surgery. We won’t tell you to calm down, but we can certainly help you feel calm.
Dental Phobia Explained
Phobias and anxieties are words which are often interchangeable. The definition of a dental phobia is an irrational anxiety or fear which peaks when a patient has to go to the dentist. Some patients can’t stand the sounds, sights and smells of a dental office. Many people are concerned that their appointment will lead to discomfort. Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past, or your fears are based on an active imagination, there’s no reason to avoid going to the dentist if you know that you’ll be sleeping calmly through your entire appointment.
Is Sedation Safe for Everyone?
Sedation dentistry is recommended for patients that have disproportionate nervousness regarding dental visit. Some patients have challenges such as a hyper-sensitive gag reflexes which they find not only embarrassing, but also adding to further fear prior to an appointment. Dr. Hofkes and our team will require a medical history to determine your current condition in order to assure that you will be a healthy candidate for sedation. IV sedation may also be used on patients who have no particularly bad dental fears, but who require oral surgery of some sort, or multiple dental procedures all at once.
About Shawn Hofkes, DDS
As a trained professional in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Shawn Hofkes, DDS is certified to provide comfortable, safe dental surgery from our state-of-the-art dentist office in Cerritos, CA. Schedule an appointment for dry socket or tooth extraction treatment by calling: 562-584-4082 today!
