Scared of the Dentist? You’re not Alone

Our friends across the pond at the British Dental Health Foundation conducted a study that shows what people fear most. Number one? The dentist. Fear of the dentist ranked higher than fear of flying, snakes or spiders.

As a sedation dentist, Dr. DeFinnis respects, understands, and can help control your dental fear or anxiety. He has studied fear and offers various levels of medication to help his patients relax during dental visits. For 14 years, Dr. DeFinnis has offered sedation dentistry to his patients, helping countless individuals overcome their anxiety to receive the dental work they need for optimal health, improved self-confidence, and high-quality living.

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, may be sufficient to ease your stress, but if you require something more potent, Dr. DeFinnis may recommend oral sedation. An anti-anxiety medication, like halcyon or valium, dulls the senses so that patients often don’t notice the sights, sounds, or smells of the office.

Another option is combining nitrous oxide with oral sedation to invite a deeper state of relaxation – a procedure called conscious sedation. Dr. DeFinnis is a member of DOCS, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, and he continues to stay on top of the latest treatment techniques for conscious sedation.

With oral or conscious sedation, patients need a driver to and from our office. Many people don’t remember their dental visit the day after their procedure.

For people with extreme dental phobia, intravenous, or IV sedation, may be the best option. With IV sedation, medication is delivered through the bloodstream. A board certified oral surgeon administers the IV medication and monitors vital signs while Dr. DeFinnis performs the patient’s procedures.

To learn more about sedation dentistry, or to talk with Dr. DeFinnis about your dental concerns, call Wynnewood Dental Arts today at 610-642-0139.