Waco Sedation Dentist Helps Patients Relax At Acre Wood Dental

    WACO, TX, September 26, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- While dentists have used inhaled sedatives to ease the pain of dental procedures since the 1800s, true sedation dentistry is about more than just medication. In the late 1960's a California dentist introduced the concept of "iatrosedation", which basically means the doctor (iatra) calms (sedation) the patient. The term was later changed to the more basic "sedation dentistry".

Waco Sedation dentistry utilizes a combination of sedating medication along with specific and purposeful verbal and non-verbal actions by the dentist. Numerous studies have demonstrated this concept to be highly effective in treating dental anxiety, which in turn allows those who might otherwise avoid the dentist take care of their dental health.

The consequences associated with shunning regular dental care are extensive and can be severe. Lack of treatment for cavities and gum disease can cause infections that lead to heart disease, stroke, or respiratory illnesses. When pregnant women with gum disease avoid the dentist they are not only putting themselves at risk but their unborn infants as well. Advanced tooth decay and periodontal disease can also cause digestive problems, severe pain and discomfort, and of course, embarrassment due to bad breath and the unattractive appearance of unhealthy gums and teeth.

Dental anxiety can be rooted in many things. Some sufferers have had a painful or unpleasant early experience with a dentist. In others, fear of the dentist can simply be perceived. When dental anxiety is severe it can cause debilitating panic attacks and turn into a full blown phobia. People suffering from all levels of dental anxiety can benefit from Waco sedation dentistry.

To successfully break through a patient's fear the dentist must be trained in the methods of sedation dentistry. Waco residents should expect the dentist to set aside an initial interview where they freely discuss the source of their specific fears. A good dentist takes a slow and empathetic approach to this first visit in order to establish trust and create a "new normal" for the patient's concept of what a dental visit is like.

After the information gathering process is completed the Waco sedation dentist can begin to define a plan of action for the patient that addresses their dental needs as well as their fears and anxieties. A patient that is afraid of needles, for example, will be instructed on the various forms of oral sedation that can be used as an alternative to injectable sedatives or numbing agents.

Waco sedation dentists can also practice a routine similar to that used with children called "tell, show, do", which simply involves slowing down by first telling the patient about the procedure they will be performing, then showing them the equipment that will be used for the procedure, and lastly, performing the procedure. Simple cues such as smiling, or sitting in a chair at the patient's level while they are in the dental chair rather than hovering over them can be helpful, as is a calming tone of voice and good listening skills.

Dr. Johnson explained that "While these extra touches that a dentist takes to calm his anxious patients may seem simple, they can also be easily overlooked by dentists who haven't been trained specifically in sedation dentistry ".

To get more information on Waco sedation dentistry contact Acre Wood Dental at (254) 227-5082, or visit their website at www.acrewooddental.com.

About Acre Wood Dental: Drs. Ben Johnson and Kevin Bowcutt are experienced and caring Waco dentists. Each dentist has performed many hours of continuing education and is able to provide the most up to date and effective service to their patients. Drs. Johnson and Bowcutt both graduated from the prestigious Ohio State College of Dentistry. The Waco cosmetic dentists provide a variety of dental services at their practice including cosmetic services, dental implants and sedation dentistry.

Media Contact:
Acre Wood Dental
[email protected]
4000 Bellmead Dr.
Waco, TX 76705
(254) 227-5082
http://www.acrewooddental.com

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