For Your Comfort

One of our goals is to create an environment where you will feel comfortable, calm and relaxed every time you visit us. Our practice is a friendly, family-oriented place staffed by gentle, caring dental professionals who are especially sensitive to the needs of those with dentist-related fears. For your comfort, we offer you a variety of ways to control pain, reduce anxiety and distract the mind.

Anesthetics

We use a variety of medications, such as novocaine, to ensure that all dental procedures are pain-free. Novocaine is a numbing agent that completely anesthetizes the nerves leading to your diseased tooth. It is administered through an injection by Dr. English. (A topical anesthetic is used to numb mouth tissue prior to injection.) Novocaine is safe and has no lasting side effects. Temporary swelling and numbness will disappear within a few hours following treatment.

Procedures that may require novacaine include dental fillings and root canals. Professional cleanings are usually pain-free. However, if you experience discomfort due to sensitive teeth and gums, we can treat the affected areas with a topical or local anesthetic.

Nitrous Oxide

In addition to numbing anesthetics, we often use nitrous oxide to help patients feel relaxed. Nitrous oxide is a harmless gas (a mixture of nitrogen and oxide) that is administered through a plastic mask that fits over the mouth. Breathing in nitrous oxide produces a calming effect that is best described as conscious sedation. Nitrous oxide is completely safe and non-addictive when administered by a dental professional. It is well-tolerated by most patients and is eliminated by the body very quickly following a procedure.

Sedation

Patients with severe anxieties and phobias may need anti-anxiety oral medication. If you will require such medication, you should advise us prior to your treatment.

If you are undergoing a complicated or lengthy procedure or are having trouble controlling your movements, we may recommend intravenous sedation, or "twilight sleep," to reduce consciousness. Intravenous sedation is administered by a trained anesthetist or anesthesiologist.

Entertainment

Entertainment is one of the best ways to distract your mind while undergoing a dental procedure. Before treatment begins, we will invite you to put on a set of headphones, relax and listen to your favorite music. Or you can just enjoy watching some great daytime television.

For Your Safety

Sterilization and Disinfection

To ensure the safety and well-being of our patients, we follow strict infection control guidelines in accordance with the American Dental Association, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). These guidelines include:

1) The sterilization of all dental instruments using a steam autoclave following every dental procedure

2) The disinfection of contaminated plastic instruments and operatory equipment using a CDC- or ADA-approved method

3) The disposal of used gloves, needles, intravenous fluids and tubing and other non-sterilizable items

If you would like more information about pain-free dentistry or our infection control guidelines, call 936-756-3611 or send us an e-mail.