Does anxiety prevent you from going to the dentist? You’re not alone. Up to 20{dcbe0cd52ce35e2f156887e14605e24111ce99c14f01d3853732956d43020bdd} of Americans have less-than-ideal smiles because apprehension prevents them from visiting their dentist’s office. Serious oral health issues, like tooth decay and gum disease, can often go ignored until extreme tissue damage forces the patient into the dentist’s office. Dr. Corbet Locke, your Waco family dentist, explains some common fears that can prevent you from achieving optimal oral health, and offers comfort to help your dental anxiety.
Easing Dental Fears in Waco
Although we are dedicated to the excellent oral health of all our patients, we cannot treat your dental conditions unless you attend a dental visit. Dr. Locke has improved the smiles of many people by helping them overcome their dental anxiety with sedation dentistry. With oral sedation, you simply take the sedative an hour before your appointment and then rest comfortably during your procedure. Proven safe and effective, oral sedation has helped millions of people receive the dental treatments they needed in spite of their apprehension.
Common Concerns
One common concern about visiting the dentist is a fear of injections and/or needles, which usually stems from negative past experiences. Today, techniques such as topical anesthetic and slow injections significantly reduce discomfort. Not being in control makes some people uncomfortable in the dentist’s chair, as well. Dr. Locke will take heed of your concern, and explain your treatment process every step of the way. If you are worried about taking the time off work, unfortunately that is sometimes unavoidable. However, by addressing your dental issues as soon as possible, you can prevent having to take more time off in the future to repair extensive oral tissue damage. Aside from easing dental fear, oral sedation also allows you to rest comfortably while several procedures are perform in just one or two visits.
If you are among the many people who are nervous about fixing their oral health, speak with us about oral sedation and how it can benefit you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Locke by calling our Waco dental office at (254) 776-4888. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and surrounding communities.