Tag Archives: dental-phobia

Scared of the Dentist? There’s Help | Palm Harbor Dentist

Do you become anxious at the first thought of having to visit the dentist? If you’re one of the many people who suffer from dental anxiety, it can be stressful to even get a simple dental procedure done. Fortunately, those that do suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the answer to help relieve their anxiety and fear. Dental sedation can be used in dental procedures ranging from invasive oral surgery to a simple professional cleaning. The following include the four most common methods of sedation dentistry:

Nitrous oxide. Also referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask that is placed over your nose to calm your nerves. But you will still need to have someone drive you home after the procedure.

Oral sedation. This method involves the patient taking an oral medication the night before and day of the dental procedure. The recovery time for this method is a bit longer than with nitrous oxide.

IV sedation. This type of dental sedation is administered into the bloodstream, resulting in immediate relaxation.

General anesthesia. This is the method of dental sedation which makes the patient either almost unconscious or fully unconscious during the dental procedure. However, under general anesthesia, the patient cannot be easily awakened until the effects fully wear off.

There are many ways you can conquer your dental phobias and get dental work you need. If you suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia, your dentist will be able to choose the best method of sedation dentistry.

If you’re interested in learning more about sedation dentistry, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.

Laser Dentistry | Palm Harbor Dentist

ThinkstockPhotos-464323669Dr. Lieberman believes visiting the dentist does not have to be a painful and uncomfortable experience. Millions of Americans have what can be considered a dental-phobia. But with new technology dental fears are being eased.

Many people associate a trip to the dentist with the sound of the high-speed dental drill, but Dr. Lieberman has another tool at his disposal: a dental laser. While not commonly associated with dental treatment, lasers have been used in dentistry since 1990 for a variety of uses. During traditional dental drilling the cause of pain is related to heat, vibration and pressure. Lasers do not produce heat, vibration or pressure, making it nearly pain free.

Dr. Lieberman uses a tool known as a Periolase – a laser specially designed for dental use – to focus energy into a small point. This burst of energy can be accurately aimed, and when it makes contact with the mouth, it can assist the dentist in a variety of ways. Fans of lasers and science fiction probably imagine lasers are great for cutting through tissue, and that remains true in dental lasers; the Periolase can be used to remove diseased or infected tissue around teeth quickly and safely. Similar to removing tissue, in some cases the laser can be used to reshape gum and bone tissue, and the heat from lasers are occasionally used to seal tissue to help promote healing.

While cutting with a laser seems like a typical use, one of the most common uses of dental lasers is as a tool to kill bacteria – the laser is powerful enough to kill bacteria beneath the surface without removing the tissue, giving Dr. Lieberman a way to treat infected or diseased tissue that would otherwise be difficult to reach with normal tools.

The dental laser has a number of advantages for both patient and dentist – the laser is quieter than the drill, allowing the patient to enjoy a more relaxed experience. The bacteria-killing nature of the laser and its more precise use can lead to better results and shorter healing times. When used by a trained dentist, such as Dr. Lieberman, the dental laser is a fantastic technical advancement that both patients and dentist can appreciate.

Do not put off dental treatment and check-up due to fear. Your dentist is here to make it as easy as possible for you.

To find out more about laser dentistry contact Dr. Larry Lieberman and make an appointment 727-785-8017 or visit our website at www.dentist-lieberman.com.

Accepting patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and all surrounding areas.