As dental professionals, we know that many of our patients suffer from dental anxiety. In fact, we know that there are many of you in the area that may be avoiding the dentist altogether because of this. While we sympathize with that fear, we also know how damaging it can be for your oral health. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry at our practice to help ease our patients’ fear.
It is estimated that over 30 million Americans skip dental appointments out of fear. Those with dental phobia have an increased risk of developing gum disease and early tooth loss.
But that’s not all…
Apparently, if you suffer from dental anxiety, you can pass this fear on to your children! A new study published by Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid shows that dental fear is…contagious. The study analyzed 183 children between 7 and 12 years and their parents. What it found was similar to other studies: that the children can pick up their parents’ fear of the dentist. However, this study went one step further to reveal that the father’s fear of the dentist is more to blame than the mother’s.
“Although the results should be interpreted with due caution, children seem to mainly pay attention to the emotional reactions of the fathers when deciding if situations at the dentist are potentially stressful,” states Lara Sacido, one of the authors of the study.
So, if you are a parent who suffers from fear of the dentist, don’t pass this on to your children! We make it easy for you to remain calm at the dentist with sedation dentistry.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is when we give anxious patients a form of sedative to relax them before any dental work is performed.
Dr. Ballard is an experienced sedation dentist and our staff of highly skilled attendants monitors your sedation and reaction to the sedative throughout the entire procedure. We offer sedatives to any patient over the age of 16.
With sedation dentistry, you can relax not just during the appointment but you can also have peace of mind in the days and weeks leading up to your visit. Knowing that you will be put into a state of deep relaxation throughout the entire dental visit helps our patients maintain a positive, carefree attitude about the dentist. This is very important when you have children who may be watching and mimicking your reaction to the dentist.
If you are interested in a positive and relaxing dental appointment, consider coming to Buckhead Dental Partners. We offer safe and effective sedation dentistry in Atlanta, GA. For more information or to schedule an appointment call us at 404-261-0610.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia
