Fear of the dentist is a common phobia that prevents many Americans from seeking the treatments they need to maintain healthy teeth and gums. For some patients, this fear can keep them from making an appointment with the dentist for 10-15 years—even when they are suffering from discomfort or pain. Sedation Dentistry is designed to put your mind and body at ease during dental treatments, allowing you to both receive the care you need and minimize the number of office visits required to complete your treatments.
If patients avoid making an appointment with the dentist for routine checkups and teeth cleaning, there is an increased risk of minor dental issues such as cavities going unnoticed. When left untreated for too long, cavities can develop into more serious health concerns, leading to the need for a root canal or even tooth extraction. Sedation dentistry has helped many of our patients overcome their anxiety and receive proper oral care in a timely manner. Ultimately, this prompt treatment can prevent more serious and costly dental issues from developing.
At OC Lifesmiles, we want all of our patients to enjoy healthy teeth and gums. Dr. John Cross is an active member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), and recently attended a continuing education panel on managing anxiety at one of the organization’s events in Seattle. With his advanced training in sedation dentistry, Dr. Cross can often take care of complex oral health issues in one or two office visits for treatments that could take up to ten visits to complete for some patients because of their extreme fear of dental care. Sedation dentistry has saved his patients from unnecessary anxiety, stress, time at the dentist’s office, and time off of work—all while helping them achieve the smile they deserve.
For more information about sedation dentistry, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cross, please contact OC Lifesmiles today.
