It was estimated in 2003 that  forty million Americans felt tremendous anxiety concerning dental treatment.  That is one of the major reasons why nearly half of all Americans don’t even see a dentist regularly.  Fortunately, thousands of these people have found out that “dental phobia” doesn’t have to keep them away from the dentist any longer! 

I routinely see new patients who have had terrible dental experiences in the past that have kept them away from seeking necessary or elective care for several years, if not several decades.  For many people, it takes much more than the charming personality of the dentist and team to overcome their intense fear.  Many dentists now offer amenities like headphones, movies, “laughing gas”, massage pads, aromatherapy, and paraffin hand treatments to help “take the edge off”.  These relaxation techniques are certainly helpful, but are often not enough to completely alleviate the fear that these people feel.

Dental teams who have received the necessary training in oral conscious sedation offer many patients the opportunity to erase years of dental neglect in a very relaxed and comfortable environment - often in just one appointment.  After a thorough review of ones medical history, a small pill is swallowed one hour before the scheduled appointment.  Experienced clinical team members monitor the patient’s vital signs under sedation and make sure that they are totally comfortable during their procedure. 

Most patients feel no discomfort during or after their appointment and generally have little or no memory of their dental visit.  Imagine eliminating the fear and having no memory of the procedures!  This is now possible with the help of a little pill and a well-trained team - without having to undergo general anesthesia. 

Many of these fearful patients begin chewing without pain and smiling with confidence for the first time in years once the sedation appointment has been completed.  These benefits are often life-changing for someone who has procrastinated getting their mouth healthy or enhancing their smile due to the fear they’ve always attached to dental visits.

Find out more about Sedation Dentistry at:  www.smilesbyarnold.com, or you may call our office in Chesterton at:  (219) 926-5445.

If you’re one of the 40 million Americans who suffer from migraine headaches, it’s possible that you may find some relief from your pain in the dental chair.
 
When stress and tension cause people to clench their jaws, the result can be severe pain in their head, neck and shoulders. Dentists have discovered that a small plastic device worn over the two front teeth can break the cycle of stress-induced jaw clenching.
 
The device is called an NTI-Tension Suppression System. The FDA has approved its use for the treatment of headaches. After your dentist fits the NTI to your teeth, you wear it at night to help reduce the intense muscle contractions of your scalp and jaw that can cause migraines and jaw pain.
 
Some studies have shown that patients who use the NTI have reduced the intensity of their jaw clenching by as much as 66 percent. These patients have also seen a significant decrease in the number and frequency of their headaches.
 
Over the past few years, we have been able to help dozens of patients with this simple device, which we make right here at the office during your visit.
 
For more information about headache prevention, click on one of the following links, or call our Valparaiso office at       (219) 531-8914 or our Chesterton office at (219) 926-5445.  You may also visit our website at: www.smilesbyarnold.com.
 

• Simple Dental Device Prevents Migraines for Many,       The Times, 7/4/05
  
• NTI Testimonials from Our Patients