Dental fear is a real thing. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 75 percent of Americans deal with some level of dental anxiety or fear. Sedation dentistry techniques may be helpful, if you feel a little bit anxious or to the other extreme, cannot step foot into a dental office. If this sounds like you, then you be a candidate for sedation dentistry.
Do you freak out when it’s time to go to the dentist?
There are many reasons that you may fear the dentist. For example, you may be a candidate if you have had a painful or traumatic dental experience in your past. Others deal with a fear of needles, have a strong gag reflex or experience discomfort from the sights, smells or sounds of dental care. If it has been a long time since you have been into the dentist, you may desire to have more dental work done in one appointment. Or maybe you dislike having dental instruments or the dentist near your face. We have helped all types of patients work through issues like this routinely.
Sedation Dentistry Options
We offer two main options of sedation dentistry. For mild anxiety, nitrous oxide or laughing gas may do the trick. It simply involves breathing in a relaxant gas through a mask right before your appointment. If wears off almost instantly and will enable you to go about your day without any lingering effects. You will be able to talk to us throughout the appointment and it can be adjusted as needed.
Many people get anxious when they think of going to the dentist.
For more serious cases of dental fear, conscious oral sedation will help you get the care you need. This treatment plan will require someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment. It’s easy and the best part is that it’s be pain free. Although, you won’t be completely knocked out like with anesthesia given in the hospital. It will put you in a sleep-like state and you’ll feel indifferent to what is going on around you. Your protective reflexes, like coughing and breathing will still be fully functional and most patients remember nothing of their appointment. It will feel as if no time has passed.
The Right Sedation Dentistry Credentials
We are passionate about helping fearful patients. Dr. Potts knows what he’s doing and has helped countless fearful patients get back on track with regular dental care. So, there’s no need to feel embarrassed about how long it’s been since your last appointment or for whatever reason that you’ve stayed away. Having pursued extensive training in sedation dentistry, particularly with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), you are in the very best of hands. Dr. Potts has been awarded fellowship status for the DOCS. This is an honor that is only achieved by leaders in the field of sedation dentistry that have pursued extensive continuing education, as well as have demonstrated a superb level of care to patients. So if you get freaked about going to the dentist, let’s talk through our sedation dentistry options to see what may be right for you.
Dr. Potts is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. He practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to his technical proficiency, Dr. Potts is a careful listener. He makes sure to understand what you want and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your individual needs, along with all options available to you.
Leave a Reply