Help Choosing The Right Family Dentist

Many people are at least somewhat nervous of visiting the family dentist for any number of reasons. For some, those nerves have developed into full-on debilitating phobia. For those with a phobia of visiting the dental office the consequences on oral health can affect their health quite significantly.

The importance of regular dental checkups should not be overlooked, they can recognize potential issues before they become large problems. Gum tenderness or inflammation can be an early warning sign of the onset of gingivitis or periodontitis, diseases that have been shown to be related or even cause further more serious health conditions. Research has proven that unhealthy gums are a breeding ground for bacteria, as this bacteria multiplies it can pass to other areas of the body. This bacteria has been related to conditions such as heart disease or even diabetes More immediately they can cause weakness of the teeth and the possibility of teeth having to be removed or requiring extensive reconstruction. A regular checkup with your family dentist can ensure that any potential problem is treated before it has a chance to grow into a more damaging problem.

Recently there have been advances in dental technology and sedation techniques to help make visits to the family dentist more approachable for those who have a phobia or are perhaps just nervous. With sedation dentistry, the patient is will be prescribed a light sedative medicine, similar to anti-anxiety drugs that are very commonly used in the United States. This medicine will help to alleviate the worry that some feel in conjunction with dental office visits, this option does not require a heavier anesthetic that can be more dangerous. While the patient remains conscious and aware during the procedure, it can be the case that the medication will make the patient drowsy enough to sleep. The medication is often similar to methods for controlling anxiety or panic attacks, these types of drugs are central nervous system depressants also known as CNS's. They act to sedate the patient thoroughly and help control fear or panic reactions, they do not necessarily remove these feelings but rather make them less debilitating and intense.

While more and more dentists have started offering sedation dentistry as an option for their patients, they are also investing time and money into creating more comfortable and comforting environments in their offices. If a patient feels more relaxed as soon as they enter the reception area and waiting room that feeling is more likely to carry through into the dentists chair for the remainder of the visit. Creating a welcoming and relaxing environment is not only a positive step for those who are phobic of dental procedures but for other patients also.