A complete approach to alleviating dental anxiety and fear
Timeless Dentistry acknowledges that dental anxiety is a common concern. It can also have devastating health consequences, as a fear of the dentist can deter individuals from seeking the care they need to maintain a beautiful smile and optimal health. There are many potential “triggers” for dental fear, including apprehension over how services and treatment at the office will feel. Our team in Forest Hills, New York, makes every effort to ensure any visit to our office is inviting and comfortable. We accomplish this in many ways – from the use of sedation to compounded topical anesthetics and “creature comforts” that can’t be found at other practices.
Our mission is to alleviate and avoid all mental and physical discomfort associated with the treatment of teeth, TMJ disorders, orofacial conditions, and more. Our treatments not only address your pain and discomfort, but we also take every opportunity to ensure that our patients never suffer from pain even after significant surgeries.
What medications will be used before my treatment?
Of course, the specific medications used depend on your individual needs and other factors, such as the complexity and length of the treatment itself. In general, we apply custom formulations of pain-relieving medications to the treatment sites. Since these anesthetics are compounded, they are largely more effective and better suited to specific patient needs than standard OTC options. When you come in for any procedure that would traditionally cause pain or inflammation, we make a point of avoiding those problems long before we start. First, we will make sure you have as many different types of low-dose anti-inflammatory medications as your personal health history will allow, and we will administer them to you before we even get you numb. This prevents any pain or discomfort from before we begin.
Next, we usually recommend sedation during treatment. Most of our patients sleep through surgery, thanks to our advanced training in and licensure in IV sedation dentistry. That said, we have extensive experience in oral conscious sedation, and 99% of our patients are completely comfortable during their procedure and have zero memory of it just by taking two to four pills or drinking two ounces of a medicated syrup before the procedure.
How will treatment feel?
While every experience is one of a kind, we always ensure that the “numbing agents” we use leave our patients painless for several hours after their procedure. We also give up to three different types of anti-inflammatory medications to patients before, during, and after any surgical treatment. If you are undergoing surgery, you will be provided with a reusable ice pack, which should be used as directed following treatment to help make the healing process as painless as possible. This comprehensive approach to preventing pain and swelling before they ever have a chance to begin is working – we perform several hundred surgeries every year, and 96% of our patients say they never experienced any pain at all.
Why would I need sedation?
While many sedatives have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, they are generally recommended for patients to eliminate anxiety about treatment. These relaxing medications help to make patients’ worries float away. Several levels of sedation are available in our office. The specific type of sedation that may be recommended for you depends on the nature and severity of your anxiety, as well as the scope of the procedure, and the nature of any other challenges to your getting the dental care that you need. For instance, sedation dentistry is also suitable for pediatric patients who tend to fidget a lot or those with a strong gag reflex and highly sensitive teeth. We also account for the length and complexity of treatment when recommending other “helpers” to keep you relaxed, comfortable, and safe. Sedatives at the dentist’s office may be inhaled as “laughing gas,” taken in pill form, or introduced intravenously, directly into the bloodstream, depending entirely on the patient’s specific personal goals.
What are some other ways I can stay relaxed and comfortable?
Do not underestimate the power of creature comforts. We have not only invested in considerable training and technologies to support the best treatment experience, but we also pay attention to the small details that make a big difference. Around 250 patients with serious injuries, such as horrific car accidents or multi-story falls, are referred to us each year. So, we take comfortable amenities very seriously. Be it full-body massage chairs, weighted blankets, comfy back pillows, and fully-adjustable headrests, your comfort is a priority that you can see and feel from the minute you enter our office in Forest Hills, NY.
If you are concerned about any aspect of your visit, we want to hear from you! Contact Timeless Dentistry at (718) 310-3866 to start the conversation today.
Timeless Dentistry is a remarkable practice lead by Dr Paul Springs. Everyone in the practice is warm, friendly and welcoming. I’ve never experienced a practice that’s committed to providing a total dental experience that focuses on an accurate professional diagnosis, personalized care and concern for your comfort & satisfaction. I needed and received implants. Like most I was concerned about pain (which was minimal to nonexistent) and what was the process. Everything was clearly explained and what resulted was a set of beautiful “new teeth” and a smile that has restored my confidence and ability to enjoy the foods my old teeth couldn’t have handled! I can’t stop singing Dr. Paul and his staff’s praises —they are totally AWESOME!! I would highly recommend them if you’re in need of a dental practice. 
