Relax – You're Going to the Dentist!

If that headline strikes you as a contradiction, you're certainly not alone. As friendly as we dentists like to think we are, studies prove that coming to visit us doesn't top many people's list of "favorite things to do". The good news is that local anesthetics and current technology can take care of the physical discomforts of dental treatments, while you can ease some of the mental anxiety you may have by trying these tips:

• Set aside a stress-free time for your appointment - don't try to squeeze it         in-between other meetings you're rushing to get to.

• Avoid taking any stimulants - coffee or cola for instance - before your appointment. The last thing you need is for the caffeine to kick in just as you're sliding into the dental chair!

• Bring a Walkman or iPod and your favorite calming music to help distract you from the noise of the dental office.

• Try deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation or other relaxation methods taught in yoga.

For a completely relaxing dental experience, we also offer our patients the use of nitrous oxide (N20) mixed with oxygen, a pleasurable sedation tool often referred to as "laughing gas". You simply breathe the gas in while seated comfortably in our chair, to completely relax you before and during your dental procedure.

There are many advantages to using laughing gas, the top one of course being the degree of comfort you will experience during your dental visit. The depth of sedation is easy to control, so we can monitor and adjust it continuously throughout your visit. When your procedure is finished, we simply turn it off, and within minutes you're back to your old self!

Don't be afraid to discuss your fears or anxieties with us. Our dental team is here to help you have a positive dental experience, and we welcome talking to you about your individual situation in order to make your visit as comfortable as possible.