We are not your everyday practice; we genuinely care about our patients and relate to each one on a personal level. At our office you aren’t just a patient—you are family. We take great pride in having our patients leave happier than when they arrived. We understand oral surgery can make people feel uneasy so we have put together a list of ways you can overcome your fear of oral surgery. These ways are all related to pre-surgery steps we take to help you feel comfortable moving forward.
Open and Honest Communication for Dental Anxiety
First, understand our team members are experts at managing the health, emotions, and expectations of our patients throughout each and every interaction, and every patient may bring different concerns, including past negative experiences, fear of losing control, or worries rooted in previous dental visits. Dental anxiety can stem from past negative dental experiences, and two-thirds of patients cite them as a reason for that fear. That’s why we focus on personalized care, clear education, and support from a trusted dentist.
We strive to always communicate clearly with our patients during the consultation by explaining the process, discussing their options, reviewing their treatment plan, and answering questions about medication, anesthesia, or concerns that it may not work properly so we can help patients overcome dental anxiety. We want them to feel calm and comfortable every time they visit our office. Before sitting in the dental chair, practicing relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises can help ease anxiety and stay calm. Clear education also includes what to expect after surgery, including the recovery process and home-care instructions.
State-of-the-art Facilities for Sedation Dentistry
Second, know that because of our state-of-the-art oral surgery facilities in St. George, Cedar City, Delta, and Kanab, UT, and Page, AZ, our patients know they are going to receive the finest care possible.
Convenience for Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures
Third, we are always available to answer any questions or concerns our patients may have. Our patient-centered oral surgery practice is committed to clear communication and support, and Drs. Davis is also available after hours for emergency care. Bringing a trusted family member can also help before or after your appointment, and follow-up appointments are part of planning for recovery and peace of mind.
As a courtesy to our patients, we call on their insurance before their first appointment. By doing so, we ensure they have a shorter wait time, and we are able to provide them with a more accurate financial estimate.
Sedation Options
One of our main goals is to provide you with a surgical experience that is as comfortable as it is effective, which is why we offer sedation dentistry options designed to help you feel relaxed and enjoy a stress-free experience. Sedation dentistry safe when it is carefully managed by trained oral surgeons. Your oral surgeon will work with you to decide on a personalized sedation plan that gives every patient the care they need based on anxiety level, medical history, and appropriate medications while ensuring comfort and safety every step of the way, including three main types of anesthesia used in oral surgery. Local anesthesia numbs only the treatment area, conscious sedation and oral sedation can help with moderate to severe anxiety, and laughing gas is another name for nitrous oxide. The following are our options:
- Local Anesthetic — a key part of important facts about anesthesia in oral surgery
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation with Local Anesthetic
- In-office IV Sedation or General Anesthesia — some options let you remain awake but calm, while general anesthesia may be recommended for comfort throughout the entire process, such as dental implant surgery and anesthesia needs
- Hospital-Based General Anesthesia
Most patients have minimal pain during implant treatment, and any temporary discomfort afterward is usually manageable. Ice packs, prescribed pain medication, and a clear recovery process can ease discomfort, support the healing process, and help you return to normal activities.
To learn more about what each of the options includes, click here.
We hope this information has given you the comfort you need about oral surgery. If you still have concerns, please don’t hesitate to call. Our oral and maxillofacial surgery team uses modern care to make replacing missing teeth more predictable and reassuring. For dental implants, a titanium post is placed in the jawbone, which helps support natural tooth function; implants also help prevent jawbone deterioration after missing teeth, and with proper care they can last over 20 years. Without tooth root stimulation, the jawbone can begin to shrink, with bone loss reaching up to 25% in the first year; over time, missing teeth may lead to shifting, bite problems, jaw pain, facial changes, and even maxillofacial surgery or more complex treatment later. We will walk you through everything you need to know to protect your oral health and understand the long-term benefits of treatment, including preparing for a tooth extraction and coping with anxiety.