No one enjoys surgery, of any kind. Oral Surgery in Beachwood NJ makes some people particularly anxious. About one out of every five people in the U.S. will only go to the dentist when they have no other options.
The Most Common Causes of Dental Anxiety
There are many reasons that someone would be so fearful of the dentist that they will do all they can to delay going, but the most common reasons are:
- A previous bad experience is given as the reason for their fear by two out of every three patients;
- Anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress or past experiences of violence influence others to postpone dental care.
Patients Fear Lack of Control
The primary cause of a fear of oral surgeons and dentists isn’t really apprehension about the pain, but an intense anxiety caused by a lack of control while in the dentist’s chair, according to psychologist Ellen Rodino. Patients have vastly differing coping mechanisms and pain thresholds, so dentists or oral surgeons should not assume that all people will react in the same way.
Putting the Patient in Charge
Some techniques that help to alleviate fear for very anxious patients needing Oral Surgery in Beachwood NJ include:
- A soothing waiting room that doesn’t have a “medical” look;
- A detailed explanation of what will be done, how long the procedure will take and what the patient will experience;
- Asking the patient’s permission to continue at frequent intervals;
- Allowing the patient to stop the procedure when they are too uncomfortable to continue;
Tips on Healing after Oral Surgery
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are usually all that is needed for pain. Start taking it immediately. Avoid aspirin as this is a blood thinner and will make the bleeding continue.
- Take it easy for two or three days. Sleep with the head raised on pillows.
- If there is a gauze dressing, change it every 30-45 minutes.
- Don’t rinse for 24 hours; then rinse gently with salty water 4 times a day.
- For the first day or two, eat only soft foods or drink liquids.
- Take antibiotics if they were prescribed.
The dentists and oral surgeons at Go Century Dental are experts at providing care to patients with medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Everyone will leave with teeth after their procedure. Visit their website to learn more and to schedule an appointment.
