Does the idea of going to the dentist make you sick to your stomach? Our mission is to make dentistry so friendly, comfortable, and convenient, it completely changes the way you think about going to the dentist. One of the ways we do this is by offering a comfort menu of options to help you relax and get your mind off of treatment. From aromatherapy neck pillows, to heated massaging treatment chairs, to overhead TVs and more, we try our best to make receiving dental care as comfortable as possible. We even offer sedation - the ultimate level of relaxation during treatment!
Dental Anxiety
Over 35 million Americans admit to some level of anxiety when visiting the dentist. For many, it is more than anxiety—it’s intense fear. Many dental phobias are related to traumatic experiences from our patients' past. Bad experiences during childhood can be especially traumatizing.
Dental anxiety is real. If you or someone you know experiences anxiety about going to the dentist, it is important you understand that dental anxiety can be very real and often feels uncontrollable. Anxiety can cause trouble sleeping, increase your heart rate, and even make you feel physically ill.
Avoiding the dentist isn’t the answer. Neglecting your dental health typically results in more dental problems, requiring more extensive treatment. Ignored fillings turn into root canals or crowns, ignored root canals and crowns turn into permanent tooth loss, and ignored extractions turn into painful infections and sometimes even hospitalization.
So how DO you face your fears and get the dental care you need? It’s important you find a dentist who understands dental anxiety. Our team will take the time to listen to and understand your fears, and then suggest options to address your anxiety and make you more comfortable. Modern approaches to dentistry can make treatment more comfortable than ever.
If it has been years since you’ve been to the dentist, you may not realize how much dental care has changed. The most modern practices understand the value of offering patients a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, along with state-of-the-art medicine and technology. Advances in medicine mean dental treatment doesn’t have to be painful. For example, for those afraid of needles, we offer wand anesthesia. There is also specially formulated topical anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and even oral and IV sedation.
Sedation
Dental sedation allows you to be completely relaxed and comfortable during treatment, and can be the key factor in getting some people the care they need to avoid losing teeth and having other serious complications. Sedation is a great option for people with:
Dental anxiety
A sensitive gag reflex
Limited time for treatment (Many busy executives prefer to have multiple procedures done in one visit)
Difficulty getting numb
Complex dental problems
Novacain allergies
Physical or mental disabilities
In addition to traditional nitrous oxide (laughing gas), our sedation dentistry options include:
Oral medication - Oral sedation involves taking a pill to provide minimal to moderate sedation. Oral sedation will typically make you feel drowsy and you may even fall asleep, but can still be responsive.
IV sedation - IV sedation delivers the sedative drug through your vein, providing quick and effective moderate sedation. Sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry," IV sedation actually induces a state of deep relaxation while allowing you to remain conscious. Many people who have IV sedation will not remember much, if any, of their visit.
General anesthesia - General anesthesia provides deep sedation and the ability to be unconscious throughout your procedure.
Wondering which form of sedation is right for you? Prior to treatment, you will come in for a complimentary consultation. During your visit, we will listen to your concerns, review your medical history, and develop treatment options specific to your situation. We will also explain how sedation dentistry works and do all we can to address any fears. If you choose to move forward with sedation, you will be happy to know most patients feel absolutely no discomfort during treatment. You will receive just enough sedation to be unaware of the treatment and you will leave our dental office with little or no memory of your visit. After a couple of comfortable visits to our office, many patients are cured of their dental phobias and no longer need sedation to ease their anxiety. *Sedation is available in our Napoleon location.
"I suffered many years of anxiety and fear of going to the dentist. I went to see Dr. Carpenter at Dental Excellence of Napoleon. I was greeted by a professional and friendly staff in a bright and cheerful atmosphere. I met Dr. Carpenter, who is honest and multi-talented. I needed to go through four long procedures. Dr. Carpenter explained sedation dentistry, so I tried it. I found the solution! I awoke calm, pain-free, and remembering nothing. I went ahead and had the three other procedures, all with the same results. I would never do it any other way again." - SUSAN
