It is a common misconception that dental anxiety is something only children experience. In reality, a vast majority of adults feel some level of apprehension regarding dental visits. This anxiety manifests differently for everyone—some may subtly fidget, while others avoid regular checkups for years.
I want you to know that as your dentist, I completely understand. In fact, even as a professional, if I sit in that chair as a patient, I feel that same spark of nervousness. Dentistry is one of the few medical fields where patients remain fully awake during intricate procedures, so feeling vulnerable is a completely natural response.
Our goal is to meet you wherever you are on that spectrum of anxiety with compassion and modern clinical solutions.
Personalized Sedation Options
For patients who feel that “mind over matter” isn’t quite enough, we offer pharmacological support to ensure a peaceful experience.
- For Significant Anxiety (Longer Procedures): We often prescribe Lorazepam (Ativan). This is a benzodiazepine that provides conscious oral sedation, helping you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy. It often results in “anterograde amnesia,” meaning you will have little to no memory of the procedure itself. We typically prescribe this for major surgical work, such as multiple extractions or complex dental implant surgeries.
- For Moderate Anxiety: We may use Triazolam (Halcion). This is highly effective for helping patients remain calm and cooperative while feeling a pleasant sense of detachment. We prescribe this for minor surgical work, such as single extractions or individual implant surgeries.
Safety Note: Because these medications cause lingering drowsiness, you must have a responsible adult drive you to and from your appointment. You should rest for the remainder of the day and avoid cooking or operating machinery.
Our “Gentle Touch” Protocol
For minor cases or for those who prefer not to use sedation, we focus on high-tech clinical techniques to eliminate the sources of discomfort.
1. Painless Injection Technique
We know that for many, the “needle” is the primary source of fear. We use a four-step approach to make local anesthesia nearly imperceptible:
- Micro-needles: We utilize ultra-thin needles (0.012 to 0.016 inches) to minimize sensation.
- The “Sleight of Hand” Approach: “I take pride in my ‘sleight of hand’ technique—the goal is for the injection to be so quick and smooth that you don’t even realize it’s happened.
- Computer-Assisted Delivery: Pain during injection is often caused by fluid pressure. We use a specialized “Painless Injection Device” that delivers the anesthetic at a slow, constant, and comfortable rate.
- Temperature Calibration: Injecting cold liquid into warm tissue causes a sting. We use a specialized warmer to bring our anesthetic to exact body temperature before use.
2. Efficiency Through Technology
The less time you spend in the chair, the lower your anxiety. We use CBCT (3D X-ray) imaging and computer-guided surgery simulations to plan your treatment before you even arrive. For example, by pre-fabricating a surgical guide for dental implants, we can complete the procedure with incredible speed and pinpoint accuracy.
3. Acoustic Comfort
The high-pitched sound of a dental handpiece (reaching 70–80 dB) can be a major trigger. To help you relax, we provide noise-canceling headphones so you can escape into your favorite music or podcast while we work.
Our Promise to You
We believe that acknowledging anxiety is the first step toward a healthy smile. We don’t just treat teeth; we care for the person behind the smile. We are proud of our ability to manage dental fear and are committed to making every visit as easy as a deep breath.
Ready for a painless dental treatment? Schedule a check-up at Finesse Dentistry & Implant Center today. We are here to help!
Visit Us in Downtown Boston
We are conveniently located to serve patients in Boston Downtown, Chinatown, the Financial District, and the Seaport.
Finesse Dentistry & Implant Center
617-286-6515 (Call/Text)
support@FinesseBoston.com
183 Essex St, Boston, MA