All too frequently, a planned visit to the dentist is looked on with a degree of dread and foreboding. This is referred to as dental anxiety.
Dental anxiety is not unusual, for it is quite natural for a person to be uncomfortable when placed in a position which they feel that they are vulnerable, as in the dental chair.
It’s common for individuals with dental fear to put off seeing the dentist for years, even decades. Unfortunately this only makes dental treatment more complicated, time consuming and expensive.
Dr. Young-Trujillo and his team are specially trained to help individuals with dental fear. As a member of the DOCS sedation, and through postgraduate training with the University of New Mexico Advanced Education in General Dentistry, Dr. Young-Trujillo has learned advanced techniques for oral sedation.
Sedation dentistry can be the answer for many people with dental fear and anxiety. There are six steps to a sedation experience.
Six easy steps
STEP ONE – Making your first appointment
We understand that for many people this may be the most difficult step of them all, so we try to make this as easy as possible to reduce dental anxiety. Simply call us at 505-796-6880 and our friendly staff will answer any questions you have and ask you some simple questions to help ensure you get the care you want and deserve.
STEP TWO – Welcoming visit
We gather information regarding your health necessary to give you all the options for your treatment. Together we discover your wants and desires for your oral health. If you’re comfortable, we’ll take x-rays and look in your mouth. You will never be judged or embarrassed. We will talk to you about your fears and concerns during your consultation and allow you to choose the direction of your dental treatment. We will educate you to the fullest so you know exactly what is going on with your teeth and can choose the path to health.
STEP THREE – Preparing for your sedation/anxiety free visit
We’ll give you a prescription for a sedative to take the night before your first appointment to guarantee a good night’s sleep.
There is no need for the use of additional needles. Simply, a pill will be prescribed for you that will be crushed and administered sublingually (under your tongue). The sedation medications used are extremely safe and effective.
STEP FOUR – Arriving for Treatment
A companion will bring you to the office and medications will be administered to create the anxiety-free and relaxed feeling that will allow Dr. Young-Trujillo to provide for you the best possible dentistry. You will be monitored throughout your visit by an experienced sedation team. The doctor will not perform any dentistry until they have assured you have reached a complete state of comfort. One of the many benefits of the medication you will take amnesic effects, meaning you remember little to nothing of your time in the dental chair. Hours pass like mere minutes allowing more dentistry to be performed in a single visit.
STEP FIVE – Going home with your new smile
Your companion will take you home and be by your side to ensure you are relaxed and comfortable. The office staff will verify that you have arrived home safe and sound and the doctor will call that evening to check that all is well.
STEP SIX – The next day
Most patients feel no discomfort and the next day are happy to see their beautiful smile and healthy teeth, without actually remembering the appointment!
