We run into many patients who have dental anxiety that is brought on by trips to the dentist’s office. This may happen because of a past traumatic event, or a horror story that you heard about somebody else’s visit at the dentist. At Total Dental Care, we know that it takes special attention to make sure you are comfortable during your visit to our Columbia, SC office.
Some of the things we do in relieving dental anxiety is to make appointments longer, offer private rooms where you’ll have your dental work done, provide massage chairs to keep you comfortable, and offer music for you to listen to while you’re with us at Total Dental Care. We also have an excellent staff that will do their best to keep your nerves at bay!
Our Calming Staff Will Ease Your Anxiety
One thing that we make sure our staff is capable of, even before we hire them, is to be personable enough to make you feel comfortable while you are having your dental work done. They will talk you through a procedure that you may be nervous about and will always treat you with respect. Part of their job is to make sure that you’re comfortable while you’re in the chair for your treatment.
Our staff will also cater to your needs when it comes to making you feel comfortable while you’re in the office. If you will feel calmer by having music to listen to while your dental work is being performed, we will make sure to provide music for you. We go the extra mile to ease your dental anxiety at Total Dental Care, and it shows through our caring staff.
Sedation Dentistry To Calm Your Nerves
Sedation dentistry is the use of sedatives to manage dental anxiety. Sedatives help anxious patients relax and assist the doctor in performing the procedure quickly and without any interruptions. Our Columbia, SC dentist Dr. Forbes is trained to sedate you with the proper dose of sedative so that you won’t feel any pain or anxiety during your dental procedure. Dr. Forbes is certified to administer sedatives through a pill (oral sedation).
Oral Sedation
The effects of dental sedation taken orally can range from minimal to moderate. A low dose makes you drowsy, while a higher dose produces moderate sedation – you are conscious but groggy. If you fall asleep, Dr. Forbes can easily wake you up.
Is Dental Sedation Right For You?
If you’ve been postponing dental treatments like root canals because of fear, you may benefit from sedation dentistry. Other good candidates are patients who:
- Have dental anxiety
- Have headaches
- Have TMJ dysfunction
- Have strong gag reflexes
- Are afraid of needles
- Hate the sounds and smells in the clinic
- Cannot commit to multiple dental appointments
Dr. Forbes is an active member of the South Carolina Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He also attends as many classes as he can to stay up to date with the most modern dental practices and technologies.
During consultation, your Columbia, SC dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental sedation. Contact Total Dental Care today by calling 803-272-4162 or using our online form to learn more.
