Dental Fear

I have heard it so many times on the TV: “That is worse than going to the dentist!”  Why is it that everyone hates to go to the dentist?  Maybe its because they don’t like having their mouth open for a long period of time OR maybe it is because they have had a traumatic experience.  

Why do I care about how you are doing?

One of my earliest memories of dentistry was Dr. Stringham’s drilling away and me screaming because it hurt!  He would say, trying to be funny, “I hear a fire engine.” My unspoken response was always “Are you crazy? That’s me!”  When a new dentist finally moved into town I was so glad that not only did he get me numb, he gave me laughing gas. Dental appointments were no longer stressful.  When I decided to become a dentist, I promised myself that no patient would have to go through what I did as a child. 

So what will I do to put you at ease? 

Because of my experiences growing up it makes me want to make sure everyone that sits in my chair is alright.  From the products I use to watching body language, I listen to what my patients are and are not saying.  I have researched many different products and procedures to make sure patients are going to have a painless visit. 

Do you have a fear of needles or don’t want to feel the shot?

From a great mentor Dr. Smith in dental school, I learned the first great secret to pain free injections – the slower the better.  The numbing agents we use all have a different ph. levels and temperatures than your body, so if placed too fast, cause a pain sensation. When warmed and done very slow, that pain sensation is avoided. I’m sure you are thinking “what about the initial poke … that hurts”. I’m glad to report that we have eliminated that also. We found a pharmacist that mixes a special topical gel that makes the start of the injection undetectable.  I knew we had found the “magic” combination when patients would ask after an injection, “did you just give me a shot? I didn’t feel anything”.  With the newest anesthetics and techniques, no one should ever have to fear the numbing process.

Do you not like sitting in the chair?  Does it make you nervous?

Many people worry during the procedure.  They are worried they will be in pain at some point of the procedure.  To put you at ease we have Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas), or even a pill you can take before the procedure that will cause you not to remember what was done.

 Are you ready to come into our office?

 Our mantra is if you are not comfortable, we will not proceed. We also know that the lingering numb face is a great annoyance so we offer a reversing agent that cuts that wake up time in half. Your comfort is our main concern.  This is my favorite thing to hear: