DAYTON, OH--(Marketwired - Nov 25, 2014) - Dental anxiety affects millions of people across America. Although the fear of dentists, dental instruments, pain, or even just the smells and sounds associated with dental work is quite common, the fact is that dental phobia can affect some people so severely that it endangers their oral health. However, Dr. Priyanka Watwe, a dentist in Dayton, says it doesn't have to. "Dental anxiety and phobia is a large factor in why patients put off dental care. I really feel that minimizing anxiety as much as possible, for those people who are healthy enough to receive sedation, is a great way to provide care for such patients." Dr. Watwe holds an Ohio state permit to perform IV conscious sedation and oral sedation. She states that there are a variety of techniques designed to reduce dental anxiety and give patients a relaxing treatment experience.

Dr. Watwe and Dr. J. Otis Hurst at Preferred Family Dental utilize sedation techniques that can help both the mildly nervous and the extremely frightened patient. Of the three major types of sedation most often used in dental treatments, Dr. Watwe says IV moderate conscious sedation is typically best for those undergoing more invasive procedures. "I believe that being able to administer IV moderate conscious sedation will greatly help minimize anxiety for patients needing extensive procedures such as wisdom teeth removal or any extensive procedure in conjunction with placing implants." The technique uses an intravenous line to deliver a sedative to the patient during treatment. Although the patient isn't completely unconscious, most people have no recollection of the procedure due to the amnesic effects of the medications.

Another common sedation dentistry option offered is called oral conscious sedation. This technique involves taking a pill about one hour before dental treatment. The pill will put the patient in an extremely relaxed state; however, they should still be able to communicate with the dentist throughout the procedure. Dr. Watwe says many patients don't even remember the procedure taking place once it's finished. She also notes that, during both IV sedation and oral conscious sedation, the patient's vital signs are monitored closely to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Nitrous oxide or "laughing gas" is the third option, and is often successful for patients with milder dental fears and those undergoing more routine dental treatment. Laughing gas has been a popular sedation dentistry technique for decades. Inhaled through the nose right before the procedure, it takes only about 20 seconds for the patient to enter a state of relaxation. Unlike IV sedation and oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide usually wears off quickly and patients are able to drive themselves home right after treatment.

Ultimately, Dr. Watwe says it is important for people to know that fear of the dentist is an extraordinarily common feeling, but it shouldn't prevent them from getting dental treatment. She emphasizes that sedation dentistry can significantly relieve the stress, fear, and anxiety of dental care, in addition to making the entire visit more comfortable.

About Priyanka Watwe, DDS
Dr. Watwe is a member of the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Originally from Livonia, Michigan, Dr. Watwe received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She then went on to complete a General Practice Residency at Miami Valley Hospital where she received training in moderate conscious sedation. She is experienced in a full range of general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dental procedures. Dr. Watwe is available for interview upon request.

About J. Otis Hurst, DDS
Dr. Hurst is the head of Preferred Family Dental and a member of the American Dental Association, the Dayton Dental Society, the Ohio Dental Association, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, Dr. Hurst completed his General Practice Dental Residency at Miami Valley Hospital. He is a strong advocate for continuing dental education, and has continued his education in advanced dental techniques at the Kois Center® and The Misch Implant Institute. Dr. Hurst is available for interview upon request.

To learn more about Preferred Family Dental, please visit pfdent.com or facebook.com/daytondentist.

To view the original source of this press release, click here: http://www.pfdent.com/practice-news/facing-your-dental-fears-dayton-sedation-dentist-on-obtaining-stress-free-treatment/