Dental anxiety is more common than you think.
Whether it’s the fear of pain, possible side effects from anesthesia, or the loss of control during dental visits, dental anxiety prevents 9%-20% of Americans from going to the dentist altogether.
For those who are scared to visit the dentist, pain-free dentistry is a welcomed alternative to the traditional approaches patients may have otherwise been used to.
Due to technological advancements in the dental industry, many dental offices (Wilton Smiles included!) are thankfully now able to provide pain-free dental treatments. This is extremely good news for patients with dental anxiety!
The Benefits of Pain-free Dentistry
For the millions of Americans fearful of the dentist, pain-free dentistry offers a range of advantages including:
- A less traumatic, and thus a more comfortable and pleasant experience
- Reduced number of treatment visits: Traditionally, dental procedures like root canals, multiple fillings, and extractions required multiple visits, whereas pain-free procedures can often be combined to reduce the number of visits back to the office
- Stronger and less stressful relationships between patients and dentists, as patients are more relaxed and calm, and are more likely to be open, accepting, and trusting of dental recommendations
- Better overall oral health because patients are more inclined to stay on top on top of their visits, necessary treatment plans, and not hesitate to going to their dental appointments
Types of Pain-free Dentistry Treatments
Laser dentistry treatments
Laser treatments are one of the most commonly used pain-free approaches used by dentists, including the team here at Wilton Smiles.
We use lasers for a wide range of dental conditions including:
- Soft tissue procedures
- Cavity removal
- Infection control
- Inflammation
- Gum disease
- Dental surgery
- Tooth whitening
Laser dentistry uses very narrow, precise beams of light that can remove and reshape tissue and bone. It’s a popular approach because it is far less noisy, dramatically more comfortable, and reduces bleeding and swelling.
Less pain and less stress with laser dentistry mean happier patients!
Composites and porcelain fillings
Traditionally, dentists used metal fillings, which involved deep drilling into teeth, which made teeth weak and prone to cracking. The entire process was often invasive and uncomfortable for patients.
Now, many dentists are using composites and porcelain fillings, which are far less painful than metal fillings. Additionally, they generally don’t require drilling into the tooth, as the fillings are usually kept in place with the help of adhesives.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, many dentists use nitrous oxide to ease their patients’ pain and anxiety. Unlike general anesthesia, nitrous does not put people to sleep, but rather helps patients get more relaxed and comfortable during their dental treatments.
This safe and effective anesthetic is administered to both children and adults via inhalation through a mask. The calming and numbing effects work quickly and are non-invasive for patients, which makes laughing gas a commonly used aid for many dental procedures.
Wilton Smiles is here to make you more comfortable!
Pain-free dentistry is not just about the treatment services we provide here at Wilton Smiles, but also about the trusted and collaborative relationships we create with our patients.
We understand that it’s common to experience dental anxiety. From our front desk receptionist to Dr. Malin, we do everything possible to make your visits as comfortable and painless as possible.
Particularly when choosing agood family dentist, it’s important that everyone in your family feel comfortable with your dental office. Here at Wilton Smiles, our office environment is soothing, calm, and stress-free, and we work tirelessly to ease our patients’ fears and anxiety.
Whether you’re coming to our office for the first time or have been a long-time patient, rest assured that every time you’re in our office, you’re in good hands! Contact us at (860) 397-6693 or click here to talk about our pain-free dental approaches.
