No matter how much progress the dental profession makes, some things don't change--a lot of patients HATE the dentist. While dentist are excited about new porcelains, laser treatments for gum disease, and implants, patients are worried about the same old things--they hate the shot, they hate the "drill," and they're afraid it's going to hurt. What are dentists doing to understand their patients and what are they doing to directly address their patients' concerns?
First of all, many dentists are facing the reality that patients are afraid and that as a profession we have not overcome the hurdle of fear and pain that goes hand in hand with dentistry. Many dentists are getting training in sedation to help patients who are nervous. In the medical profession, doctors would not think of doing even a minor surgical procedure without sedation. But in dentistry, we often treat multiple teeth with fillings, crowns, root canals and extractions using only "Novacaine." No wonder the patients are terrified! Now, patients can take a pill one hour before their appointment and they will be completely relaxed and comfortable through the entire appointment--and they may not even remember their visit. This is called Oral Conscious Sedation and some dentists have a special license just for this procedure.
For patients who don't want to be sedated but just want to be comfortable, there are incredible new topical gels that are placed at the injection site for 5 minutes before the injection so that the injection will be almost completely comfortable. There are also excellent new anesthetics that get the teeth much more profoundly numb without numbing the whole jaw. For patients who just can't get numb, there is even a way to deliver the anesthetic directly to the tissue surrounding the tooth to virtually guarantee numbness.
Dentistry has come a long way, but we still need to face up to the fact that the patients still have the same old concerns. Our past reputation will be hard to shake, but some of us are trying hard to do just that. Patients and dentists will all benefit from comfortable dental care.
First of all, many dentists are facing the reality that patients are afraid and that as a profession we have not overcome the hurdle of fear and pain that goes hand in hand with dentistry. Many dentists are getting training in sedation to help patients who are nervous. In the medical profession, doctors would not think of doing even a minor surgical procedure without sedation. But in dentistry, we often treat multiple teeth with fillings, crowns, root canals and extractions using only "Novacaine." No wonder the patients are terrified! Now, patients can take a pill one hour before their appointment and they will be completely relaxed and comfortable through the entire appointment--and they may not even remember their visit. This is called Oral Conscious Sedation and some dentists have a special license just for this procedure.
For patients who don't want to be sedated but just want to be comfortable, there are incredible new topical gels that are placed at the injection site for 5 minutes before the injection so that the injection will be almost completely comfortable. There are also excellent new anesthetics that get the teeth much more profoundly numb without numbing the whole jaw. For patients who just can't get numb, there is even a way to deliver the anesthetic directly to the tissue surrounding the tooth to virtually guarantee numbness.
Dentistry has come a long way, but we still need to face up to the fact that the patients still have the same old concerns. Our past reputation will be hard to shake, but some of us are trying hard to do just that. Patients and dentists will all benefit from comfortable dental care.
4 Comments:
You are right! Many people are afraid of the dentists, even if it's a normal cleaning. Do you do sedation often? And, how long does it take for the person to wake up? I would like more details on sedation since I panic and keep delaying my dental appointments. But I know that I cannot wait any longer...
Crystal, Thank you for posting. Many of our patients are sedated for cleanings. Some patients even require sedation for x-rays and exams. They come to our office because I am one of the few dentists in the area that is licensed and experienced in oral conscious sedation (sedation with a pill). Nearly every day, at least one of our patients comes in for a sedation visit. With oral conscious sedation, you are always in a state of consciousness where we can talk to you, give you instructions, and even let you go to the rest room. Frequently, though, patients fall asleep in the chair because the medication makes you so relaxed and comfortable. When some people hear that they won't be unconscious, they worry, but we don't do any treatment until the sedated patient is completely relaxed and comfortable. The medication has the unique effect of allowing you to forget most, if not all, of your visit--a nice side effect for someone that is afraid of the dentist. When you come in for a sedation visit, plan on relaxing the rest of the day with a responsible adult. Nearly everyone says as they leave the office, "I'm perfectly fine," when, in fact, they are still sedated for hours afterward. Plenty of water and healthy (soft) food will help you recover more quickly after being sedated, but it is important to postpone driving and other dangerous activities until the following morning. And don't make any important decisions while you are sedated! Oral conscious sedation is ideal for someone who panics at the dentist. Please feel free to call the office for more information or a consultation with me. Thanks again for writing. Regards, Dr. Bernstein
Thank you, Dr. Bernstein!
My other question is, I have serious gum disease problem. I am scared... What will the procedures like and how many visits will I probably need? It's always the money issue and my dental anxiety that delays me from taking actions... Everyone still loves my smile, but I want to do something before it's too late.
Gum disease is so common in our society but it needs to be treated because it is associated with heart disease, lung disease, and it taxes your immune system. Of course, I cannot diagnose your gum disease over the internet, so an exam is in order. Maybe your gum disease is not as bad as you think. Any treatment for gum disease can be accomplished while you are sedated, and we favor the non-surgical options. If you have dental insurance, your carrier may help, and they will reimburse you for their portion when the whole mouth is treated in one visit, as long as you are sedated. We can help you with financial arrangements. Many of our patients use Capital One Health Care Financing which has plans available with no down payment and low monthly payments. It takes less than 5 minutes to apply online and there is a link to Capital One's website on our website if you click on "affordability." Please feel free to call our office and we would be glad to help. So to answer your question, initial gum therapy can usually be treated non-surgically in one visit while you are sedated, your insurance may help, and you can make low monthly payments. I'll bet you feel better already! JBB
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