I'M SCARED OF THE DENTIST

Many of us have had experiences in the past that left us with a fear of dental care. At the DiBona Dental Group we have been catering to apprehensive patients for over 35 years. For most nervous patients, gas (nitrous oxide and oxygen) is the answer to their prayer. The gas mixture we use is very safe. In fact there is more oxygen in it (60%) than in room air (<20%). The sensation is one of relaxation or floating. It does not put you to sleep or make you laugh (although in the 1800’s it was called “laughing gas” because it was first used for entertainment. In fact a dentist named Horace Wells discovered the useful effect of nitrous oxide in the 1800’s when he and his wife were attending one of these theater shows).

If you have “gas” for your appointment you will still be awake but very relaxed. Nitrous oxide takes the “white knuckles” out of coming to the dentist. Best of all, it wears off quickly and, in most cases, you can drive yourself home.

We also offer twilight sedation, which is a combination of a pill you take before you come in and gas. This produces a much more intense relaxation. Many people do not remember much of the treatment afterwards. You do have to have someone responsible to drive you home after twilight sedation.