Over the years, we’ve had a few patients who had a fear level so high that they couldn’t bring themselves to walk in our door. As a periodontal specialist, I know that many people with periodontal disease acquire it because their dental fears prevent them from regular dental care. Please know that we are experienced in caring for high-fear patients and have several options for comfort, including Oral Sedation.

Oral Sedation is in pill form, so no needles are used to administer the medication. It is safe and taken prior to the patient’s arrival at our office. This means they are typically very relaxed and comfortable by the time they arrive. Additionally, our staff members monitor sedated patients throughout their procedure. Oral Sedation also eliminates most memory of the visit and recovery is quick.

Occasionally, a patient leaves our care because their insurance becomes ‘out-of’-network,’ often due to a job change or policy adjustment. Our standard of care is such that not every insurance is sufficient for the high standards that referring Doctors and patients have come to know here. We have some patients who have out-of-network policies, yet prefer the care we provide versus others who are in-network. These patients merely pay for the portion not covered by their insurance and we file so any reimbursement is sent directly to them.

I’m proud to say I have had VERY few patients who’ve left because they were unhappy with something. In most cases, the patient never voiced a concern or expectation. While my staff and I try hard to address any issue to a patient’s satisfaction, I’ve come to know that you cannot please ALL the people ALL the time, no matter what you do.

If you have questions about any area that creates an obstacle in having care provided by us, please mention this. For those who have left and wish to return, please know our door is open. Your optimal dental health is our ultimate desire!

I recently read an article about an Oklahoma City oral surgeon who has put over 7,000 patients at risk for Hepatitis B and C as well as HIV. This is shocking, especially since the majority of dentists adhere to very strict guidelines in the prevention of exposure to any and all risk factors.

Although the patients (all since 2007) were told by the Tulsa Health Department, “It should be noted that transmission in this type of occupational setting is rare,” this is very upsetting. This sends an alarm of worry out to people, many who are already terribly frightened of dental visits.

Please know that our heat sterilization process exceeds guidelines set forth by OSHA and the CDC. Additionally, all staff members are trained to administer patient care to the highest safety standards at all times, regardless of your procedure.

It is our goal to provide an exceptional experience at every visit. You can rest assured that your safety and comfort are top priorities at our office.

Occasionally, we have a Dental Implant patient who does not want to “be put to sleep” during treatment.

In our office, we use oral sedation. In pill form, no needles are used to administer the medication and the recovery is quick. Oral sedation enables patients to feel refreshed rather than the ‘spaced out’ feeling that I.V. sedation (or ‘twilight sleep’) can leave, although it does have an amnesiac effect. Some patients tell us they remember hearing  voices, but most have no memory of the procedure at all.

While the amnesiac effect is an appealing advantage of sedation, sedation helps patients be more relaxed. Since many implant placement procedures require over an hour’s time in the treatment chair, sedation helps to eliminate after-treatment fatigue from muscle tension.

In addition to sedation, we apply numbing medications to the area being treated to create optimal comfort for patients. We never want any procedure we perform to be painful at any time, regardless of the addition of sedation.

We treat all patients with respect and a gentle touch. We are just as committed to comfort for patients who do not want to be sedated as we are for those who are. Our goal is to help each person achieve a restored mouth that is healthy. If we can accommodate specific requests, such as treatment without sedation, then we will do what will provide the safest, most comfortable and successful outcome.

It’s not unusual to see a new patient who has not had dental care for years — sometimes ten years or more. I occasionally have these patients share that one of the reasons they’ve avoided care is dreading the lecture they’ll get. While this is often an unfounded perception, a ‘lecture’ by a Dentist or his/her staff tends to be a turn-off, particularly to those who have avoided care because of fear.

Trying to guilt an adult into dental care often has the opposite effect. Lectures and making patients feel ‘bad’ about their failure to maintain a healthy mouth typically causes one to feel belittled. This is unfortunate since it is difficult enough to motivate fearful adults into a dental office in the first place.

If you haven’t seen a dentist in years, you should know that the percentage of American adults who have dental fear is about the same as those with some level of gum disease. The first stage, gingivitis, is typically resolved with conservative periodontal therapy. Gingivitis is not only due to insufficient oral hygiene. It can also be caused by stress, smoking, age, genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, conditions such as diabetes, certain medications, and some diseases.

As dental caregivers, it is not our job to judge, but rather restore patients to optimal oral health. We know each person deserves to be respected since the step to receive much-needed dentistry can be a major one for many. This is especially true for adults who have high fear or anxiety associated with dental visits. The most important thing is to regain good oral health. The sooner this occurs, the bigger the savings in time and expense versus treatment necessary for advanced problems.

Ready for respect, TLC, and a terrific smile? Call (828) 274-9440 to arrange a consultation.