It’s a fact: Fear and dentistry often go hand in hand. For a lot of people, that can be the result of previous experiences. (It’s also a fact that the entertainment industry hasn’t portrayed the dental profession in the best light.) But advances in treatment, anesthesia, and even relaxation techniques have changed the landscape of tooth care, and even oral surgery nowadays can be a nearly painless experience. When it comes to undergoing intensive dental procedures with a minimum of anxiety, Dallas patients have a variety of options.
For some, even a minor checkup or tooth cleaning is cause for sedation – never mind oral surgery. It’s not only about a fear of pain for these people; just the sensation of someone poking around in their mouths with an instrument can create extreme discomfort. The dental profession has gone to great lengths to relieve the anxiety of the super-sensitive patient. Someone making a visit to a Dallas dentist typically has the option of asking for headphones to cancel out to the sound of dental equipment or to disguise it with music. Some examination rooms project calming images onto the ceiling above the patient’s chair. Of course, mild sedation – nitrous oxide or a local topical anesthetic is typically an option for the patient who has a fear of oral sensation.
When it comes to oral surgery, the list of options for pain and anxiety management is even greater. The hardy few who have a high tolerance for pain and discomfort can, and do, undergo even invasive procedures with little or no medication. At the other end of the spectrum, Dallas patients who need oral surgery to remove impacted wisdom teeth, for instance, can be completely sedated via intravenous anesthesia. Many undergo oral surgery with just the help of nitrous oxide or another calming drug such as Valium.
But anti-anxiety measures aren’t limited to medication and relaxation techniques. Recently, a Canadian dentist launched a social networking site for her practice. Dr. D. Mitrana believes that better communication and increased interaction between dentist and patient is important. “Social media has improved the communication between our patients and us by allowing another, more engaging avenue of interaction,” says Mitrana. A good dentist-patient relationship may be helpful in reducing the anxiety associated with visits to the dentist.
The horror-movie take on the dental profession is well entrenched, but it may be a thing of the past. Dallas patients needing basic dental care or even oral surgery may not be able to avoid discomfort altogether, but thanks to advances in sedation, relaxation, and doctor-patient relations, the experience doesn’t have to be the stuff of nightmares.
Oral Surgery Dallas – EverSmile performs oral surgery for Dallas patients. Oral Surgeon Dr. John Wallace and the network of doctors at EverSmile are dedicated to excellence, outstanding service, and personal attention to every patient. Let EverSmile craft a strong, healthy smile for you.
