Dental phobia affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Learn how your sedation dentist near Longview, WA helps patients cope and get their dental care.
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington, Longview, WA sedation dentist, wants his patients comfortable and relaxed so they get the dental treatments they need. At Cowlitz River Dental, Dr. Kennington includes appropriate sedation services that make going to the dentist easier and fear free.
What’s keeping you from going to the dentist?
A survey conducted by the British Health Foundation found that 36 percent of people who don’t get regular dental care are out and out panicked about going to the dentist. While dental phobia seems unreasonable or trivial to those who have no troubles in the dental chair, fearful individuals experience shaking hands, sweaty palms, panic attacks and insomnia at the very suggestion of a dental appointment. Some are claustrophobic or have a sensitive gag reflex. Others are very embarrassed about how bad their teeth look. Are you one of these individuals?
When people postpone their dental check-ups, cleanings and treatments–or stop going to the dentist altogether–their oral and systemic health suffers. Teeth decay, gum disease develops from accumulated plaque and tartar and systemic well-being changes. Studies show that advanced gum disease plays a significant role in diabetes, heart disease, dementia, arthritis and other serious health issues. The more time away from the dentist, the more health problems will develop.
What can you do?
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington, your Castle Rock dentist, offers sedation dentistry in 3 forms. When you come to the offices of Cowlitz River Dental, you will be warmly welcomed by the caring staff, and Dr. Kennington will fully explain your choices for a pain-free, relaxed experience.
In addition to local anesthesia (pain shots), your Longview, WA sedation dentist delivers:
NItrous oxide, or laughing gas. For generations, this kind of sedation has helped patients sit still and feel calm during their dental work. Delivered via a nasal mask, nitrous oxide gives people a care-free, almost giddy feeling. Dr. Kennington and his team monitor the individual’s level of comfort and vital signs during the procedures. When work ends, the gas is turned off, the effects diminish almost immediately, and the patient can drive home.
Oral conscious sedation. Basically, a patient takes a little pill and naps during his dental work. Commonly used drugs are Versed, Halcion and Valium. The tranquilizing effect is enough to put people to sleep, but they are easily awakened to respond to commands if necessary. Blood pressure, heart rate and respirations are monitored closely, and while the patient wakes up with a simple shoulder shake, a friend or loved one drives him home from his appointment.
IV sedation is medication administered through a needle into the arm. The dosage may be increased or decreased during dental work as needed, and many people sleep while under its influence, waking with no memory of their procedures. Again, the patient needs a ride home.
Save your dental health
Come to Cowlitz River Dental, and talk over your situation with Dr. Kennington. He will explain your sedation choices fully so you know what to expect. Kindness and compassion are hallmarks of his practice, too; so, don’t procrastinate any longer. Contact the office staff today for a consultation.