Dental fear is more common than you think. This type of fear is actually known by other names like dental anxiety, dental phobia, dentophobia, ordontophobia, and worse still, dentist phobia. Many attribute this fear from childhood experiences with the dentists that unwaveringly led to (imagined and real) pain ? and lots of it. Others are simply a product of the more popular notions, or rather misconceptions that when you go to the dentists, they will stick needles into your mouth and pull out all your teeth.

Of course, for many of us who grew up a little more level-headed, we all know that some dentists can really do that - not out of the need to inflict pain to hapless victims; but rather to make sure their patients are orally hygienic and well. Admittedly, the greater populace usually seeks the services of dental professionals only when a tooth needs to be pulled out or some other dire tooth-related emergency.

Nonetheless, it should be noted that with the trend these days, dentists do more than just that.

There are now several cosmetic dentistry clinics that practice the application of dental crowns and porcelain veneers, among many things. Bridgework and teeth whitening are also prevalent. The seeming trend is to make sure that your pearly whites are actually white and whole. But apparently, dentistry as a whole is making sure that people do come into their offices - whether or not there is a dentition-related emergency.

One way of attractive potential clients is through the introduction of sedation dentistry or sleep dentistry. More dentists actually prefer the first term, since the latter one can really be considered as a misnomer. Patients do not actually sleep when dental procedures are done. Some may experience a certain degree of sleepiness, but no more. Patients are sedated of course. However, sedating (contrary to most detractors' biased opinions) is not done to pacify unwilling patients. It is used to make sure that the procedures go as painless as possible. This is also a way to help the patients get comfortable; which in turn, makes it easier for the dentist to work.

Not all dentists practice sedation dentistry. However, a growing number of cosmetic dentistry offices do.

Sedation is not really an exact art, and often, it is not the dentists who perform the task. Some dentists may require the services of registered nurse with ample background in administrating sedatives. In other cases, an anesthesiologist may be required. A dental technician or assistant are not allowed to administer sedatives. Because people have varying body build and medical conditions, a trained professional must choose and administer what could be given to a patient.

There are actually many types of sedatives used. One hint of advice though for would-be clients of sedation dentistry professionals: it would be advisable to have someone escort you to and from the dentist's office. The last thing anyone would want is for you to drive home sedated.

Some of the most common types of sedatives are: the use of inhalation analgesia (also known as nitrous oxide or laughing gas); intravenous sedative injections; local and general anesthesia; and oral sedative pills, which by the way is the most commonly used now. For emergency situations, dentists may use intramuscular sedative injections as well.