“My sister is terrified of going to the dentist, and her teeth keep getting worse. What can be done to make dental treatment easier for her without putting her to sleep?"

Answer: Great question and you should be relieved to know that millions of Americans have some form anxiety concerning dental treatment .  This anxiety may range from very mild anxiety to severe, like in the case of your sister.  Some anxiety is so significant that it prevents necessary trips to the dental office.  This anxiety or fear coupled with embarrassment from years of neglect has kept almost half of the American population from seeking much needed dental treatment.  The great news is that “dental phobia” is a thing of the past for many of these patients who have discovered the secret to healthy teeth and a vibrant smile.

Spa-like amenities such as back massagers, laughing gas, warm towels/blankets and soothing music can help take the edge off but to the extremely fearful patient these amenities are not enough.  For many patients sedation dentistry has been an answer to prayer!   With conscious sedation patients take two very safe small pills about an hour before their appointment.  These pills help patients feel extremely relaxed and helps eliminated dental fear!

In fact most patients feel so relaxed that they just snooze right through their appointment, pain-free, usually with no memory of the procedure.  Often years of neglect are corrected in a single appointment without the need for IV sedation or general anesthesia. To many of these patients this process is life changing often erasing years of neglect.  Often these patients feel so relieved, almost like a burden or large obstacle was removed from their life.  Life is often busy and stressful and sedation dentistry can help you solve your dental problems so you can focus on changing the world! Sedation dentistry isn’t for fearful patients only it is also extremely helpful for patients requiring longer appointments just to make them more comfortable and relaxed.

Your sister should have a complete exam and x-rays taken as soon as possible to determine her needs and then move forward with treatment to avoid more serious problems and increased expense.  Sedation dentistry sounds like it may be “just what the doctor ordered” for your sister.

Plano dentist , Dr. Thompson maintains his private dental practice  (Imagecare Dental) in Plano, TX. For more information on this or any other dental topic, please visit: www.imagecaredentalgroup.com .    If you have questions for Dr. Thompson, please send an e-mail to: patientcare@imagecaredentalgroup.com or mail him a 6841 Coit Rd, Plano, TX 75024