People experience anxiety in a myriad of ways, from a strong feeling of hesitation to even more acute sensations. But regardless of intensity, the primary issue associated with these perceptions is they often lead people to neglect their oral health by avoiding even routine checkups. If this avoidance persists, it can lead to severe dental problems like lost teeth and gum disease.
One thing that sometimes happens with anxious patients is when they briefly lose consciousness, commonly called fainting but is known clinically as syncope. Dr. Christopher Wigley and his team are adept at treating patients who may experience a fainting spell and know what to do when it occurs.
If you worry about this happening, we can help by explaining what causes syncope and what we do to counteract it. You’re in good hands at Jensen Beach Dental.
What Causes Dental Syncope
A fainting spell during treatment is by far the most common medical issue dentists encounter in the U.S., accounting for nearly half of all instances. It’s a particular stress response that creates insufficient blood flow to the brain. One trigger is a sudden change in body position, which may happen in a dentist’s chair, as well as with fear and anxiety.
Along with passing out briefly, other signs are:
- Feeling lightheaded
- Pale skin tone
- Nausea
- Spontaneous sweating, often cold and clammy
- Blurred vision or tunnel vision, where your peripheral sight diminishes
Our team recommends that if you experience any of these symptoms, you share them with your dentist right away.
How We Help Fainting Patients in Jensen Beach, FL
Dr. Wigley may recognize the syncope signs, but when you share your feelings, we can take action. Sometimes, simply adjusting your body position by elevating your feet is enough to counteract the reaction. We also will ensure your airways are clear and pause treatment until you recover.
In most cases of fainting, patients recover quickly and thoroughly. However, our team will monitor you because when patients take longer to regain their senses, it may indicate a more serious medical issue. When a trained dentist encounters dental syncope, we can provide early detection.
Dental Syncope Is Treatable at Your Qualified Jensen Beach Dentist
We understand that not everyone loves visiting their dentist, and we do our best to help you maintain a healthy smile with understanding and compassion.
If this sounds like an appealing dental experience, we encourage you to call and schedule an appointment today.