Sadly, over 95 million North Americans are afraid to visit the dentist. If you're one of them, you'll find this month's article, on the new "pain-free" options available, of particular interest.

I also invite you to participate in my new blog about cosmetic dentistry. My goal is break through the hype to discuss cosmetic dentistry in a straightforward and honest atmosphere. Please leave your comments!

Are you afraid to visit the dentist?

People often joke about being afraid to visit the dentist. However, it is no laughing matter. The sound of drills, the pointy dental instruments, and the thought of pain terrify millions of people to such an extent that they neglect their oral health for years -- sometimes decades or more!

If this describes you, know that you are not alone.

Regular check-ups are important because minor problems, such as bleeding gums, can lead to very serious problems such as bad breath, tooth decay, and gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which if left untreated, lead to tooth loss. It's also at regular check-ups that your dental professional looks for early signs of oral cancer -- a serious condition that can cause death.

We all know we should visit the dentist, but fear does keep many people out of the dental chair. And, this fear is compounded for those with low pain thresholds or how have had painful experiences with "invasive" procedures, such as implants, crowns, or root canals, in the past.

Thankfully, new techniques have all but eliminated the pain -- and fear -- associated with dental procedures. The technical term for "pain-free" dentistry is "sedation dentistry." Cosmetic dentists certified in sedation dentistry have a number of protocols they follow in order to determine the level of patient anxiety and the appropriate treatment.

The first step for any sedation procedure is to get to know you and your level of anxiety. Your cosmetic dentistry professional will ask you about your oral and physical health.

If you have mild anxiety, your professional may simply walk you through the cosmetic procedure to help eliminate your fear. Meditation and topical numbing gels can also be used.

For those of you with greater anxiety, a number of options are available. Many patients mistakenly believe "novocaine" (which is an old anesthetic developed in the 1920s) is all that is available. Today dental professionals can choose from a number of new and better anesthetics, including Septocaine, in order to provide profound numbing.

Sedative drugs, such as Valium and Triazolam, can be given to high-anxiety patients. One caveat however: Be wary of dental professionals who advertise, "Take a pill, walk out with a new smile!" Sedative drugs can interact with medications you're already taking, causing serious side effects. A professional certified in sedation dentistry will know the proper protocols in determining if medication is the right treatment for you.

Take the next step: Call Dr. Helaine Smith today!

No one should be afraid to visit the dentist. If you've been putting off cosmetic dental work due to high anxiety, now is the time to call Dr. Helaine Smith. She understands your anxiety and will work with you to eliminate your fear.

With advanced training from the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and numerous certificates, Dr. Smith offers results and service you won't find anywhere else, including sedation dentistry, computer imaging, advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures, and a spa-like atmosphere for the ultimate in oral health care.

Get the smile you've always wanted -- call Dr. Helaine Smith today!

By phone: 617.327.1350
Through our Website: www.helainesmithdmd.com
Email: helainesmithdmd@aol.com

Please Share!

Please forward this newsletter to your friends and family who are also concerned about having a healthy smile.