Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about overcoming dental anxiety.
Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children
For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth
Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.
Settings that Practice Anti-Anxiety
The dental office has long been the most common setting for routine dental procedures that use sedation and anti-anxiety techniques. These techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure depending on the needs of the patient. Ultimately, your fears and phobias can be managed so that you can receive the dental care you require no matter where the treatment takes place.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?
Your overall health, as well as physical and mental conditions you may be battling at the time, are important to be able to safely undergo certain types of sedation ñ especially in the dental office. Certain of these conditions may require clearance from a physician: cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases should all be addressed prior to a given type of sedation. Your dentist will take a thorough medical history and physical assessment before proceeding, and if need be, recommend a product like Colgate® Total® Advanced Deep Clean to get home care on the right track. He or she may also ask you to receive medical clearance from your physician.
To read the entire article written by James Burke Fine DMD, please visit Colgate.com
Artisan Dental
Jeff Berger, DDS
19604 Mono Way
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-2915
ArtisanDDS.com
Worry-Free Dentistry with Sedation
We understand that some people have great anxiety about dental visits. Their fear may center around having a shot, needing drilling, or simply sitting in the dental chair to complete a procedure. Now we can offer you a relaxing visit throughout your treatment. With sedation dentistry, you won't even recall going to your appointment.
By just taking one pill, one hour before your treatment, you will begin to feel relaxed. As you sit in the dental chair, you gradually reach a deep level of sedation. You will not be aware of the procedure, but will still be able to speak to the dentist if he asks you questions. Vital signs are continually monitored. And when the treatment is completed, you have someone drive you home.
Some people have a fear of being "put under." But you are not completely sedated, as during surgery. You are still conscious, but unaware of the work being performed. You retain a level of perception, so this type of sedation is a happy medium of losing your fear, but not your consciousness.
This also works well for those who are highly resistant to anesthesia. It is also used for patients who can't spare the time for multiple visits. In just one visit, extensive work can be accomplished. We also use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for lighter sedation needs. You will feel relaxed and relieved to have conscious sedation available for all your dental work.
Artisan Dental
Jeff Berger, DDS
19604 Mono Way
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-2915
ArtisanDDS.com
If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.
