If you have a fear of the dentist, you are far from alone. You are one of approximately 75% of people in the United States that have some level of dental anxiety. These feelings can range from light nerves to a full-blown phobia. For patients that are petrified about something as simple as a dental cleaning and checkup, their preventive care often gets put off for years upon years. When something like a cavity, infected root, chipped or cracked tooth, or any dental condition occurs, things can get much worse if you put off seeing your dentist. There was a time when you had two choices: fight through your fear, or put off going to the dentist long enough that you may actually lose teeth. Thankfully, your Celina family dentist, Dr. Newton, has some modern day solutions for helping fearful or anxious patients.
Something to Laugh About
The very first dentist to use nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) was Horace Wells. That was 1844, and since that time, millions of patients have been made much calmer by this soothing compound. Nitrous oxide is given to patients through the use of a mask which is put over your nose. In spite of the name, very few people actually laugh when exposed to nitrous oxide, but feelings of giddiness, happiness, calmness, and euphoria are often reported. Laughing gas is even safe enough to give to children, and wears off so quickly that you’ll be back to normal by the time you leave the dentist’s chair.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If your procedure is more invasive such as a root canal therapy or cosmetic dental treatment, oral conscious sedation can offer you even deeper relaxation. You will be given a simple pill which contains anti-anxiety medication, along with instructions to take the medication an hour before your appointment. This way, you’ll have a much easier time getting through the door of your dental office if you are highly phobic about the entire experience. Your oral sedation effects will last for several hours after your procedure is through. For this type of sedation we generally recommend that patients have a trusted friend or family member to drive them home, and take it easy the rest of the day.
Celina Family Dentist Can Help Nervous Patients
Your dentist in Celina offers several options to help her anxious or fearful patients receive the care they need. You can reach our 75009 dental office at (214) 851-0130. We are happy to serve people in Celina, Prosper, and surrounding communities.
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