SEDATION DENTISTRY – HELPING ANXIOUS PATIENTS

Experts estimate that nearly three-quarters of American adults feel afraid of the dentist to some degree. Of that number, approximately 10-15% experience fear or anxiety so intense that they avoid visiting the dentist at all costs. Unfortunately, without the benefit of preventive care, many people with dental fear face increasingly severe oral health problems. Very often, fearful or anxious patients will not seek professional help until a problem has reached an emergency stage and requires invasive treatment.

To help her patients who suffer from dental fear but who nonetheless want to enjoy the benefits of regular professional dental care, Dr. Gina Liggio Maestri DDS offers several gentle sedation dentistry options:

• Nitrous Oxide: Since the mid-19th century, dentists have used nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to sedate patients before undergoing dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is easily administered, safe for nearly everyone, provides a mild sense of tranquility and relaxation, and wears off quickly.
• Oral Sedation: A more recent innovation in sedation dentistry, oral sedation consists of a pill, usually an anti-anxiety medication such as Valium or Halcion, that a fearful or anxious patient ingests about two hours before their appointment. Oral sedation provides a more profound sense of detachment and relaxation and is appropriate for moderate-to-severe dental fear in people of all ages. Oral sedation will leave you feeling woozy and “out of it” for several hours after your appointment, so patients will need to arrange for reliable transportation home.
• Nitrous Oxide with Oral Sedation: For patients with severe dental fear and anxiety, a deeper level of relaxation is required. By combining nitrous oxide with oral sedation, patients can remain in a state of near-sleep through any length procedure.

Very often, people who feel nervous, anxious, or afraid of the dentist feel this way because of a generalized distaste for stark, clinical environments. At Dr. Gina Liggio Maestri, DDS we want all of our patients to feel relaxed and at home, so we have created a space that feels cozy and secure. From our brick floors to our modern décor, we have made every effort to ensure our patients’ comfort. We offer:

• Televisions in every room.
• WiFi connection so you can bring your favorite mobile device and browse the internet while you wait.
• Neck pillow and blankets to help you feel warm and well cared for.
• A Keurig machine in case you’d like to enjoy a hot beverage.
• A well-stocked children’s area.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gina Liggio Maestri DDS, call our office at 337-704-2126. Our Lafayette dentist’s office proudly provides preventive, restorative, and sedation dentistry services to families and individuals in Lafayette, LA, the Acadiana region.