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Question: “Dr.
Arnold, my husband is terrified of going to the dentist, but
he has a LOT of work that needs to be done. What can be done
to make this easier for him without “knocking him out”?”
Answer: “Your husband is definitely not alone in feeling
this way. Millions of Americans feel tremendous anxiety concerning
dental treatment. In fact, fear, coupled with embarrassment
and shame has kept nearly half of all Americans from seeking
necessary treatment for years, if not decades. Fortunately,
many of these people have found out that “dental phobia” doesn’t
have to keep them away from the dentist any longer!
Amenities like headphones, movies, “laughing gas”,
massage pads, aromatherapy, and paraffin hand treatments will
help “take the edge off”, but often aren’t
enough to completely alleviate fear. For some fearful patients,
sedation dentistry is “just what the doctor ordered”!
With oral conscious sedation, patients just take a safe little
pill one hour before their appointment. This pill helps them
to relax and eliminates their dental fear.
Most patients snooze through the appointment, feel no discomfort,
and have no memory of the procedures. Years of dental neglect
are often erased in just one appointment, without undergoing
general anesthesia. Many of these fearful patients begin chewing
without pain and smiling with confidence for the first time
in years! These benefits are often life-changing for people
who have procrastinated getting their mouths healthy or enhancing
their smiles. Sedation dentistry is even beneficial for patients
who aren’t fearful, but would like to be more comfortable
during lengthy dental procedures.
Your husband should pursue having his dental work completed
as soon as possible to avoid more serious problems. It sounds
as if oral conscious sedation might be exactly what he needs
in order to overcome his fear and to get his mouth healthy
again.
Dr. Jim Arnold is a practicing dentist in Chesterton and Valparaiso. He is also a clinical mentor with the Hornbrook Group and serves on the Advisory Board for the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics as the Fellowship Chairman. You may send questions to his office at: 1830 South 11th Street, Chesterton, IN 46304 or email them to: drarnold@SmilesByArnold.com. More information on this or many other dental topics can be found at www.SmilesByArnold.com.
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