Fear, anxiety and panic attacks keep people from receiving essential dental care. Longview, WA, dentist, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington, relaxes the most anxious of patients with different kinds of conscious sedation.
No one should be deprived of essential dental care. Examinations, cleanings and restorative care such as fillings, crowns and root canals help keep teeth and gums healthy for a lifelong smile. Yet, many dentists report that they see patients who have been so afraid of the dentist that they allow teeth to fail and even fall out.
Furthermore, poor dental health does more than affect what’s in the mouth. The accumulated bacteria associated with gum disease, cavities and abscesses can contribute to systemic health issues such as:
- diabetes
- stroke
- coronary artery disease
- heart valve problems
- heart attack
- low birth weight babies
- pre-term labor
- dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
How can patients overcome the devastating effects of “dental phobia?”
The staff at Cowlitz River Dental understand. No anxious patient will feel alone in our office. L. Blaine Kennington DDS and his kind team of professionals understand that past experience, concern about pain and simply, the language and tools of dentistry frighten some people–both young and old. As such, they have created a calm, relaxed and friendly atmosphere throughout their offices, and Dr, Kennington has worked hard to become an accredited and expert sedation dentist in the state of Washington.
Longview, WA dentist, Dr. L. Blaine Kennington, offers conscious sedation.
Dr. Kennington can offer many different kinds of conscious sedation to help patients feel comfortable even during the simplest of dental procedures, such as cleanings, to the most complex, such as root canal therapy. Besides local anesthesia (pain shot) a common choice is tried and true nitrous oxide or “laughing gas.” Inhaled in varying amounts, this mild sedative allows the individual to be awake, but erases anxiety. The drugs wears off quickly and can be adjusted up or down during treatment, leaving the individual able to drive home.
Oral sedation is another frequent option. Administered in pill form, valium or halcion helps a patient feel peaceful enough to drop off to sleep. This medication is great for individuals who need multiple procedures, sitting still for a long period of time.
Finally, Dr. Kennington can use intravenous or IV sedation. Medication is delivered via a needle in the patient’s arm and can be adjusted during the procedures. Both oral and IV sedation can wipe out the memory of the procedure, and when administered, they require a friend or family member to drive the patient home.
Don’t put your dental health on hold any longer.
Contact Cowlitz River Dental right away and get an appointment for a dental evaluation. Dr. Kennington and his staff will put your mind at ease, fully explain dental procedures and offer sedation if necessary. While Dr. Kennington is also a great emergencydentist in the Longview, WA, area, don’t wait until you have a pressing dental problem. Call (360) 703-9092 now. We conveniently serve patients from Longview, WA, as well as Castle Rock, Kelso, Lewis County and the surrounding areas.