Many patients experience extreme anxiety and even outright fear at the prospect of visiting the dentist. Their feelings may result from a bad experience in the past, a disturbing scene in a movie, or simply a personal dislike of medical treatment in general. Patients who suffer from dental anxiety are likely to put off dental appointments or avoid them altogether. Because regular dental care is such an integral part of good overall health and well-being, avoiding dental care can lead to serious problems. Dr. Williams offers his patients in the Phoenix area sedation dentistry so that they can get the essential treatment they need to achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Sedation dentistry is intended to take the discomfort and anxiety out of dental appointments. Oral sedatives, nitrous oxide, and local anesthesia are excellent ways to calm and relax a patient throughout the appointment and alleviate pain. Oral sedatives are given to the patient before the appointment, to be taken earlier in the day, or they can be administered at the office. Patients who take these sedatives should arrange to have transportation to and from the appointment, since driving under their influence is unsafe. Nitrous oxide is another excellent sedative option because it takes effect very quickly, leaves the patient calm and responsive, and wears off almost immediately with no after-effects.
Sedatives do not provide pain relief, so they should be used in conjunction with an anesthetic for procedures that have the potential for discomfort. Local anesthesia provides excellent pain relief by numbing the specific area to be treated.
Most people don't want to avoid dental care. However, fears and anxiety about dental treatment can cause some people to put off seeing the dentist, sometimes for years. Sedation dentistry offered by Dr. Williams makes it possible for every patient to get important dental treatment and care in a comforting environment.
Contact Dr. WilliamsAs a Scottsdale and Phoenix area expert on TMJ disorders and sedation dentistry, Dr. J. Ladd Williams provides excellent treatment for patients. Contact Dr. Williams today to schedule a consultation.
