Oral Sedation May Help You Kick Dental Fears For Good!

Posted on Sep 16, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

It is estimated that nearly 70% of American adults have some level of dental fear, and about a third of those have such deep levels of fear that they’re classified as ‘dental phobics.’ These are people who find it difficult to even call a dental office.

The majority of fears begin with a traumatic dental experience in the past. Those with severe levels often avoid dental care until they have an emergency need. Typically, the discomfort becomes so intense that it forces them into treatment. What I often see, at this point, is a mouth full of problems that could have easily been avoided had they been able to receive regular check-ups and cleanings.

Regardless of an individual’s level of fear, we know people must feel a sense of trust that we won’t hurt them. We begin with a conversation in a Consultation Room that’s removed from the clinical side of the office. We sit in comfy arm chairs and discuss your oral problems, what you’d like to accomplish and what may have triggered your dental fear.

During this conversation, I explain the various options we use for comfort. Since many people are uneasy about dental visits before they walk into a dental office, I may recommend oral sedation. In pill form, oral sedation is highly-effective and safe. The patient takes the pill before leaving home (with a companion who drive them to our office). By the time of arrival, they are very relaxed but able to walk in on their own.

Before treatment begins, the medication has taken full effect and you are totally relaxed. Sedated patients are fully monitored by a trained staff member along with monitoring equipment to ensure safety and comfort. Too, I administer numbing medication to the areas being treated so there are no worries about discomfort.

Another plus with oral sedation is its ability to erase most or all memory of treatment afterwards. Some patients recall hearing my voice but most have no memory of their time in the chair at all. Oral sedation has a quick recovery as well. After a brief nap at home, most patients feel refreshed and back to normal.

As a Periodontal Specialist, I appreciate oral sedation’s ability to enable fearful people to have much-needed dental care. A healthy mouth plays a significant role in your overall health, as research has shown. Oral bacteria can become bloodborne in the body and has been linked to heart disease, memory loss, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and some cancers.

Often, after one or two visits with oral sedation, patients feel they no longer need sedating and overcome their fear altogether. Seeing a formerly fearful patient able to have regular dental care and enjoy a healthy, confident smile gives our entire office tremendous joy.

Don’t let fear prevent you from a healthy smile. Begin with a friendly phone call as a first step: (828) 274-9440.

A Worry-Free Smile Is Closer Than You Think!

Posted on Sep 11, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

I never cease to be amazed at the transformation of people who regain a healthy, confident smile. It’s easy to be excited with them! The benefits they’ll come to realize are much more than an improved smile’s appearance.

A healthy mouth, free from persistent bad breath, plaque, tartar and periodontal problems and disease, is the foundation to a more confident smile. It also helps to lessen the constant dental repairs that many people endure as a result of an unhealthy oral environment.

If you’re frustrated by continual oral problems, overcoming these perceived obstacles may be easier than you realize.
•Cost: Granted, many dental treatments that require extended chair time and advanced skills can be quite the financial commitment. While I’ve never had a patient say their restored smile wasn’t worth every cent, those who forgo treatment due to cost are often missing the big picture. Spending large amounts on trips, cars, boats, etc. may give a temporary feeling of excitement, yet, the daily and longterm physical and psychological benefits of healthy smiles are priceless.
•Financing: When a patient makes the commitment to optimize their oral health or have dental implants, many inquire about financial options. We offer excellent payment plans, some with no down payment and no interest the first year. For those who prefer to pay without financing, our Financial Coordinator is a wiz at helping patients combine insurance and financing. Ask to meet with her after you have your treatment plan — you may be surprised how manageable our payment arrangements can be!
•Fear of discomfort: In this day and age, it’s sad that many adults still have dental fears. Today’s dentistry offers many comfort options and many practices use advanced technology, which optimizes comfort and shortens treatment and healing time. We offer sedation to help patients relax before and throughout treatment, typically erasing memory of the procedure afterward. I’m pleased that most patients who opt for sedation initially soon feel they don’t really need it. This comes from a relationship of trust and our commitment to making comfort a priority at every visit.
•Treatment time: Many procedures can be completed in just a few visits. Our advanced technology also helps lessen treatment time while increasing your level of comfort. Some patients prefer to combine several appointments into one or two long appointments. With the help of Oral Sedation, they are able to remain totally relaxed throughout and enjoy a quick recovery afterward.

Your smile plays a significant role in your appearance and overall health. Having a confident, healthy smile helps you avoid time and expense for repairs in the future. If you have questions, please call (828) 274-9440 to schedule a consultation so we can discuss treatment options. You may be closer to a healthy, worry-free smile than you know!

Extra Measures Taken For Fearful Patients’ First Visits

Posted on Aug 06, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

At our periodontal office, we feel all of our patients are special. However, we understand that some have special needs, such as those who have dental fears or severe dental phobias. As a specialty practice who helps restore people to healthy, confident smiles, we understand how fear can prevent adults from receiving the dental care they need. For this reason, we’ve incorporated extra steps on their behalf to make their first visit especially comfortable and less intimidating.

One measure is to ensure waiting time is kept to a minimum. Although we occasionally have unexpected delays, we have an excellent reputation for running on schedule and keep a close eye on this, in particular, when a fearful patient arrives.

For some patients, we can begin with a comfortable conversation in our Consultation Room. This is away from the clinical side of the practice so there are no noises or smells that will add to a newcomer’s anxiety. This room has no treatment chairs or instruments. We simply begin with a friendly conversation and discuss your concerns and what you’d like to accomplish with your oral health. I’ll explain our comfort options and answer your questions thoroughly.

When patients are seen, we can provide relaxation medication so, by the time you arrive, you’ll be in a very relaxed state. As much as is practical, we keep tools and equipment either covered or removed until you are in a totally relaxed state. We apply numbing medications to the areas being treated after you are in this tranquil state. Throughout your care, you are monitored by a trained staff member to ensure your safety and comfort. Afterward, you will likely have little or no memory of your treatment.

In many cases, patients return to us feeling they need no additional medications for treatment other than standard numbing. They realize we will not hurt them, knowing their comfort here is a priority.

For more about regaining a healthy smile, call (828) 274-9440 and speak with a friendly staff member. She can also arrange a consultation appointment so we can meet personally.

Don’t Let Dental Fear Keep You From A Healthy Smile

Posted on Jul 09, 2013 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As a Periodontist, I see a large number of adults who have developed periodontal (gum) disease. Yet, it never surprises me when I meet a new patient who has arrived because their problems stemmed from avoiding dental care due to fear.

While fear of dentistry affects an estimated 75% of the U.S. adult population, nearly 10% are categorized as “dental phobics.” These are adults who have such a severe level of dental fear that they avoid going to a dentist until it’s no longer a choice, but a dire necessity.

Most often, we discover this fear has resulted from a traumatic dental experience in the past. Over the years, I’ve heard some appalling tales. Many felt ‘pinned down’ in a treatment chair while a dentist worked on them even though they were in pain. Some say it’s the noises and smells that conjure up a perception of pain even before anything is done.

A few have shared that they feel unable to breath during dental treatment. Because breathing through the nose is necessary during many procedures, this causes some to feel ‘suffocated.’

A comfort option that has helped many to overcome their fear is Oral Sedation. This is a pill that is swallowed at home so they are relaxed by the time they arrive at our office. This helps them to walk in without the anxiety they would typically experience. By the time we begin treatment, they are totally relaxed and often snooze in and out while in the chair.

This typically erases most memory of the procedure afterward. It also allows us to apply numbing medications without the patient being aware of having injections at all.

Once patients have Oral Sedation, they often return and feel they no longer need this type of relaxation. In most cases, when a foundation of trust has been formed, they relax on their own. Until that time, however, we move at a pace that is best for each individual.

If you’re ready to “take that step” to a healthier, more attractive smile, let’s begin with a consultation. This will take place in our Consultation Room, which is a relaxed setting away from the clinical side of the office. From there, you can decide how you’d like to proceed. Call (828) 274-9440 to speak with one of our friendly staff members.