subject: Insight For Those Afraid Of The Dentist [print this page] Few things in this world are as painful as a tooth ache, and for a few weeks, even a tooth ache could not force me to overcome being afraid of the dentist. Fear of dental visits or dental procedures is not uncommon. It is believed that 75% of American adults carry some form of fear when it comes to dental care, and half the people in the United States refuse to go to a dentist for regular care based on their perception of dentistry as being painful.
In my case, I had a serious tooth problem, and took a barrage of pain medications for 3 weeks hoping the tooth pain would eventually go away, and I could get on with my life without dental care. This was not to be. To make a long story short, I developed an abscess in addition to the tooth problem and the pain finally reached a level that had to be what I considered even more painful than a dental visit.
After conceding to my need to see a dentist, I searched for a pain free dentist, and this was the beginning of a whole new understanding of pain free dental care and sedation dentistry. I now realize that dental procedures can be performed in a way that the patient is relaxed even before they get to the dental office.
The dentist uses oral sedation to get the patient in a relaxed and calm state. The medication is not new or experimental; these are medications that doctors and dentists have been using for a long time and they are completely familiar with them. There are no shots or any painful process that will be used to get you in a relaxed state.
How sedation dentistry works
Here is one example of sedation dentistry: the patient is asked to appoint a friend or family member who will drive you to and from your appointment. You will be asked to take a pill about an hour before your appointment. When you arrive at the clinic, you will be wide awake, only relaxed as a result of the medication. Your dentist will assess your level of consciousness and then may ask you to take another pill.
Again, you will remain completely awake and able to appropriately answer any questions your dentist may ask you. When the procedure is over, the dentist will determine when you can safely be driven home. When you do emerge from your relaxed state, you will probably not even remember the dental procedure.
Some dentists, including Charlotte dentists, offer medicine free options to keep you calm and relaxed. You can discuss the various options with your dentist, and he will help you choose the best method to help you have a positive experience.
Finding a pain free dentist in Charlotte, NC
If you live in the Charlotte area and you are looking for a gentle dentist that can make your dental experience relaxing and pain free; dentists are trained and certified to perform sedation dentistry. They have helped countless patients to achieve a pain free dental experience.
