CRISIS TREATMENT....

Many people don't see a dentist on a regular basis. They go only when they feel they have a problem. We call this "crisis treatment" as opposed to "preventive treatment". While these patients may feel they are saving money, it usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and time. The reason for this is that most dental problems don't have any symptoms, like pain, breakage and infection until they reach the advanced stages of decay.

One example is tooth decay. We hear all the time, "Nothing hurts... I don't have any problems". But decay doesn't hurt! Until, that is, it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. Symptoms include hot and cold sensitivity, abscess, swollen gums, swollen face, foul odour and bad taste and/ or taste of blood.

Then a root canal and crown are usually necessary, instead of the small filling, which could have been placed several years ago when the cavity was small. We can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a tremendous cavity and they have never felt a thing.

OVERCOME DENTAL ANXIETY....

I am consistently saddened at the struggle that people, who have fear, endure when they go to see the dentist.

A variety of concerns keep them from regular dental care. Some don't freeze well, others have sensitivity to the noises and smells of a dental office and yet others have a strong-gag reflex. But the commonality is they all fear dentistry. And many haven't had dental treatment for years, turning dental needs into emergencies.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

There is a simple solution to dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is a safe and easy way to eliminate fear and other related challenges. It allows you to be sedated just enough to be pain free and unaware of the treatment, as if you were sleeping.

Here's how it works: After an initial consultation with a trained sedation dentist, you'll take the oral medication just before your next visit. When you arrive for your appointment you'll be awake, but drowsy. Most important, you'll be relaxed and anxiety free.

In one sedation appointment a smile can be restored, pain can be eliminated and fear can be overcome. Check out the latest options available to make your dental experience a great one!

Information provided by Dr. Cam Kesteven, DDS, member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation