If you have ever had a traumatic experience at the dentist, you know how devastating it can be. It can make it all but impossible to pick up the phone when you need dental care, and it can lead to years of unintentional neglect. It’s important to understand that you are not alone. A 2008 study found that nearly one in two Americans suffers from some kind of dental anxiety. Dr. Susan Dennis is a fearful patient herself, which she feels is a gift that helps her know how her patients feel. She will make sure that you are comfortable in her chair.
Our Approach
Dr. Dennis has treated many fearful patients. Her goal will be to help you overcome your fear so that you can enjoy the benefits of regular dental care. The first thing you should know is that you will be treated with the respect you deserve here. You will never be teased or lectured. We will make sure you feel welcome and comfortable, and we will do everything we can to help alleviate your fear. If you should need numbing, we can administer it without pain, and we will make sure you are numb before we begin any treatment. And in addition to all of this, we will offer you sedation.
Levels of Sedation
Dr. Dennis has found that two levels of sedation have helped her patients. Nitrous oxide can calm some patients very effectively, and it can help you relax so the novocaine takes effect faster and is stronger. It is a gas that you will breathe in through a nose mask. It takes effect almost immediately, and as soon as you stop breathing it, its effects also stop. This means that you’ll be able to drive as soon as you are done.
Sometimes patients need an anti-anxiety medication in order to feel relaxed and indifferent enough to receive treatment. If you would like, we will prescribe one of two different medications for you to take about a half-hour before your appointment. These medications produce a relaxed, detached state in which you’ll be fully awake and able to respond, but you won’t really care much about what is going on. And you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment because you will be too relaxed to drive safely.
A Sedation Dentist Consultation
If you’re ready to get your dental care under control, without pain or anxiety, you may call our office or click here to request an appointment online. Dr. Dennis will start with a consultation where she’ll go over with you what to expect during and after your sedation appointment. It’s important you bring any medications you’re on to the appointment, including any over the counter medications.