At our Holt, Michigan practice near Lansing, we offer sedation dentistry as a means of combating dental anxiety. Contact Dr. Edward Liu to schedule a patient consultation.
Edward Liu, D.D.S.
2123 N. Aurelius Road
Holt, Michigan 48842 MAP
P. (517) 699-2985
F. (517) 699-2205
Emergency cell and after hour
C. (517) 974-1269
Holt, Michigan Dental Practice near Lansing Offering Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Edward Liu’s Holt, Michigan practice near Lansing offers sedation dentistry as the most effective means currently available of combating dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry enables patients to receive the dental treatment they need comfortably, conveniently, and without fear or apprehension.
Dental Anxiety – a Surprisingly Common Problem
If the thought of having to go to the dentist makes you uneasy, you are not alone. It is estimated that 30 to 40 million Americans suffer from some form of dental anxiety. This condition usually involves fear of one or more of the following things traditionally associated with dental visits:
- Pain
- Needles
- Embarrassment over condition of teeth
- Sights, sounds, and smells of the dentist’s office
- Having a panic attack or losing control due to anxiety while in the dentist’s chair
People with moderate degrees of dental anxiety may simply become nervous when they arrive at the dentist’s office for their appointment. However, individuals who suffer from dental phobia, the more serious form of this condition, may be so distressed at the thought of going to the dentist that they might not go at all, even when they are in need of treatment. If they do resolve to go, they may be unable to sleep the night before their appointment, or they may become sick while in the waiting room of their dentist’s office.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
At his Holt, Michigan center serving Okemos, Lansing, and surrounding areas, Dr. Edward Liu offers sedation dentistry to help his patients overcome their anxiety and obtain the quality dental care they need. Sedation dentistry may be a suitable treatment option for you if you:
- Have a severe gag reflex
- Have to undergo extensive treatment
- Need help relaxing for a dental procedure
- Have an intense fear of dentists or the sensations associated with the dentist’s office and/or dental procedures
- Would prefer to be asleep during your procedure rather than aware of what is going on
- Have specific phobias (e.g., of pain, needles, tooth extraction) that can’t be overcome even by the knowledge that you will have sufficient anesthetic preparation
- Are strongly influenced by your fears, even if you believe they are irrational
- Suffer from a mental health disorder and believe that you would be aided by sedation
Sedation dentistry can also be useful if you are having multiple treatments performed in a single visit, such as the placement of dental implants, porcelain veneers, or tooth-colored fillings, and other services.
Sedation Dentistry – What Options Are Available?
Edward Liu, D.D.S. offers several forms of sedation at his Holt, Michigan practice near Okemos and Lansing. Sedation dentistry can have very different effects for different people. The appropriate form of sedation in each case depends on several factors, including the severity of the patient's anxiety and potential interactions with medications he or she might be taking.
With oral sedation, patients take a pill prior to undergoing their procedure. The sedative allows them to enter a deep state of relaxation, during which they can safely undergo treatment without fear or anxiety. Dr. Liu may also prescribe a sedative for individuals who have difficulty falling asleep the night before their procedure.
Another option available at our practice is nitrous oxide. Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide provides patients with conscious sedation. The gas, which is administered through a mask placed over the nose, reduces the patient’s sensitivity to pain and prevents him or her from fully remembering the procedure once it is over. While under sedation, however, patients are able to respond to questions and prompts from Dr. Liu.
A third method of sedation is intravenous. In this technique, Dr. Liu administers the sedative through an injection that is usually inserted into the back of the hand or in the arm. I.V. sedation provides the deepest form of sedation, as it allows patients to be unconscious during their procedure and, afterward, to have no recollection of the treatment.Why Choose Dr. Edward Liu for Sedation Dentistry?
Because of his conviction that sedation dentistry is an effective a way to make dentistry accessible to hesitant patients, Dr. Liu has developed an expertise in this treatment through rigorous, extensive training at leading dental education centers around the country. In addition to being certified in intravenous sedation, Dr. Liu is Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified and has joined the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. Helping individuals with dental anxiety achieve healthy, beautiful smiles is now one of the cornerstones of Dr. Liu’s Holt, Michigan practice near Okemos and Lansing.
Contact Dr. Edward Liu for Comfortable, Convenient Dental Care
Sedation dentistry has made an even greater difference in the lives of many of his patients than Dr. Liu initially expected; he is gratified to see the results in the healthy, beautiful teeth that even his most nervous patients now enjoy. If you suffer from dental anxiety, Dr. Liu can help you comfortably receive the care that you need with the aid of sedation dentistry and his warm, down-to-earth manner. If you think you might be benefit from this technique, please contact our sedation dentistry practice today to schedule a free consultation.