Stop Feeling Scared At the Dentist, with Sedation Dentistry

Stop Feeling Scared At the Dentist, with Sedation Dentistry

Now You Can Relax, for Real, at Dental Visits

Approximately half of Americans do not go to the dentist each year, for various reasons. According to Colgate.com, 30 to 40 million Americans do not go to a dentist because of dental phobia – they’re fearful, scared of dental procedures or dentists. Because many people don’t like to admit their fears, the number may actually be much higher. Dr. David Eshom respects and understands dental fear and wants to give you an experience with no more anxiety. To help you overcome this very real problem, Dr. Eshom offers sedation dentistry in his San Diego, CA dental office. His goal is to provide patients with the most comfortable, rewarding dental visit possible, not by avoiding but by dealing with the issue of dental fear. Call right now to schedule a complimentary consultation so that Dr. Eshom can explain how sedation dentistry can help you.

Why Visit the Dentist?

You may not think that visiting the dentist every six months, as the American Dental Association advises, is necessary. After all, why fix something that’s not broken? The truth is, your teeth and gums may feel great. Perhaps you brush and floss daily, have fresh breath, and don’t have a toothache. Daily dental care at home is vital to good oral health, but the most diligent brushing and flossing cannot stop gum disease and cavities. Research actually shows that people who avoid the dentist generally have worse dental health than those who see the dentist regularly.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, develops in nearly half of all Americans, at some stage of life. Reliable scientific research has revealed that gum disease is connected to an increased risk for overall health problems, ranging from low-weight births to diabetes complications to heart disease. Even Alzheimer’s and dementia are linked to gum disease. Brushing and flossing cannot remove calcified plaque, called tartar or calculus, that builds up at and below the gum line. At six-month dental cleanings, a dentist or hygienist will remove the insoluble calculus. Left in place, the bacteria-laden substance will irritate gum tissue and greatly increases the risk for developing gum disease.

Furthermore, cavities, cracks, chips, and internal infections in teeth will not heal naturally. Only a dentist can repair these dental problems. Without treatment, all of these issues worsen with time. So, why visit the dentist? Because without professional care, dental and overall health can suffer.

Why are You Scared?

Now you know that you need to visit the dentist, so let’s determine why you’re avoiding it.

• Control issues – Some people feel like they are not in control of being able to breathe, when in the dentist’s chair. Having a dentist’s hands in your mouth may trigger the fear of being suffocated, according to Professor Tiril Willumsen of University of Oslo. Also, lying back in the dental chair can make a person feel vulnerable and not in control of his situation.
• Bad experiences – If you had painful, fear-inducing dental treatment as a child, you may fear repeating the traumatic experience, and thus avoid the dentist at all costs.
• Embarrassment – Bad breath, broken and decaying teeth, and knowing that you’ve allowed your dental health to dramatically decline may make you embarrassed about going to the dentist.
• Fearful parents – Kids who are raised by dental phobic parents may inherit the fear, due to negative influences as they grew up.
• Negative reinforcement – Parents who use dental visits as punishment can instill a negative concept of the dentist in children. For instance, telling a child “if you don’t brush your teeth, the dentist will drill them” can cause intense fear of pain and trauma.
• Fear of shots, dental tools – A common cause of dental phobia is the fear of needles, shots, the dental drill, and probe.

Dealing with Dental Fear

If one of the above causes, or another source, makes you feel anxious, nervous, or completely scared of visiting a dentist, Dr. Eshom wants to invite you to a complimentary, non-clinical appointment so that he can simply discuss your concerns and suggest ways of dealing with them. Our entire staff respects dental fear and never, ever judges patients who have avoided the dentist, regardless of their reasons or state of dental health. When you visit us, we will be proud of your courage, and everyone on our team will be on your side, helping you.

Types of Dental Sedation

Dr. Eshom extends a caring, compassionate chairside manner to all patients, at all appointments. If you need more than excellent care and empathy, ask about sedation dentistry. With three levels of sedation, Dr. Eshom has the training and resources to provide a practical way for you to overcome dental phobia and receive the dental care you need – and deserve.

·         Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)

·         Oral sedation (anxiolysis)

·         General anesthesia with anesthesiologist

Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Right now, while it’s on your mind and before you second guess yourself, pick up the phone and call (858) 455-9151 to schedule a discussion with Dr. Eshom. He’ll meet with you across a desk, not in an operatory, to talk about your concerns and explain sedation dentistry.

The Benefits of Dental Sedation

If you have an intense fear of the dentist, you may have neglected your routine visits for years. Now you may have widespread decay, gum disease, and other problems.

Dental sedation will allow you to receive the care you need without undue stress. You may also find it much easier to schedule follow-up visits and biannual appointments.

Additionally, thanks to our various sedation options, you can undergo implant placement, tooth extractions, and similar procedures with minimal discomfort.

Dr. Eshom is highly experienced with sedation dentistry, and he works with some top-notch anesthesiologists. You will remain safe, comfortable, and calm throughout your time at our practice.