Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about overcoming dental anxiety.
Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children
For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth
Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.
Settings that Practice Anti-Anxiety
The dental office has long been the most common setting for routine dental procedures that use sedation and anti-anxiety techniques. These techniques can be used for any type of dental procedure depending on the needs of the patient. Ultimately, your fears and phobias can be managed so that you can receive the dental care you require no matter where the treatment takes place.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation?
Your overall health, as well as physical and mental conditions you may be battling at the time, are important to be able to safely undergo certain types of sedation ñ especially in the dental office. Certain of these conditions may require clearance from a physician: cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases should all be addressed prior to a given type of sedation. Your dentist will take a thorough medical history and physical assessment before proceeding, and if need be, recommend a product like Colgate® Total® Advanced Deep Clean to get home care on the right track. He or she may also ask you to receive medical clearance from your physician.
To read the entire article written by James Burke Fine DMD, please visit Colgate.com
Our Full Range of Sedation Options
We understand that for some patients, dental treatments create anxiety. Shots and drills can create apprehension, and we are especially sensitive to these patients' needs. We can relieve your fears and make dental work easy for you with conscious sedation.
Comfortable Dental Treatment Las Cruces NMWe are one of the few practices in the state with the qualifications to administer IV and oral sedation. Dr. Burris has been certified by the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, so you know you're in good hands.
IV sedation provides the highest level of sedation and takes effect in the shortest amount of time. We maintain more control with an IV than with oral sedation. The medication is directly administered through the bloodstream for a more reliable and predictable level of sedation. You won't remember the procedure, and it will seem like it took just minutes. This type of sedation is used for longer appointments with extensive dental work and also for those with the greatest fear of dental work.
We also offer oral conscious sedation. By taking one pill an hour before your scheduled appointment, you will gradually feel very relaxed. You are not completely out, so you can respond to any questions asked by the doctor. But you are unaware of the procedure as you calmly sit in the dental chair. After the work is completed, someone drives you home.
For lighter needs, we provide nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas. All three types of sedation are safe and effective to make your dental work easy, comfortable, and worry free.
Bridget Burris, DDS
Jared S. Wallis, DDS
1748 South Triviz Drive
Las Cruces, NM 88001
(575) 522-1983
LasCrucesDentist.com
If the thought of seeing your dentist gives you chills every six months, an anesthetic may be the solution. Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.