Please, Don’t be Nervous
The American Dental Association estimates about 20% of us do not see a dentist because of fear and anxiety. We know this, and we believe knowledge helps control anxiety. We want you to know exactly what is going on with your smile and why it is happening. We take great pride in explaining your smile options.
Dentists have two paths of helping a concerned patients control their apprehension: anxiety addressing medication or sedation.
Medication
Every dentist can provide oral medication to “take the edge off” a patient’s anxiety, but only a few certified dentists, like Dr. Porter and Dr. Atkins, can provide inhalation agents like nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” in the office.
Sedation
Sedation dentistry is when intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is used to sedate a patient. Only a doctor with anesthesia training can perform sedation. Dr. Porter, in conjunction with a general anesthesiologist, has performed several sedation cases in our office. She and Dr. Atkins are on staff at Azle’s Hospital to provide special needs patients additional sedation choices.
In both cases, there will be some tenderness in the following hours. Dr. Porter and Dr. Atkins both have a 24-hour emergency number to help any patient manage soreness.
Everybody has anxiety. You can control it. Your smile will thank you.
