Dental phobia, which is also known as odontophobia and dental anxiety, is a commonplace fear that prevents millions of Americans from receiving dental treatment each year. Approximately 75 percent of Americans experience dental fear to some degree, ranging from mild to severe, while approximately 5 to 10 percent of American adults suffer from dental phobia, a condition that can become so intense that such individuals will avoid dental treatments at all costs. Fortunately, some reputable dentists provide reliable sedation solutions to still t he fears of their anxious patients.

Individuals who suffer from dental phobia have a higher risk of developing gum disease and tooth loss. Aside from these oral conditions, they may also have discolored or damaged teeth, which can severely impact their professional and social lives, as well as their self-confidence. Poor oral health can lead to poor overall health as well as lower life expectancy.

Some renowned dentists in California offer sedation dentistry to patients suffering from dental anxiety and phobia. Sedation dentistry involves the administration of oral sedation drugs— like diazepam, triazolam, and lorazepam— to facilitate dental procedures, and reduce the anxiety and fear of patients. Another available method is inhalation sedation, which utilizes nitrous oxide or laughing gas to induce relaxation in extremely nervous patients.

Mexican cuisine and Mediterranean cuisine are popular in Concord, California but you won't be able to enjoy either of them if you frequently experience toothaches. A toothache is typically a sign of severe tooth decay, which occurs when the tooth enamel has been eaten away by acids from the food you have consumed. Mild tooth decay can easily be resolved through fillings, but a severe case may require a root canal treatment from a dependable Concord dentist.

Undergoing a root canal procedure is ideal for those whose toothaches have become extremely painful or those whose teeth have grown overly sensitive to cold and heat, which often signifies an infection has occurred. Antibiotics may be taken to ward off the infection, but they are not guaranteed to work. In this case, a root canal treatment may be the only way to keep the infection in check or worse things may happen.

Sometimes referred to as endodontic treatment, a root canal involves taking out the tooth nerve and sealing off the teeth. As a result, the teeth are restored, and there's no need for a tooth extraction procedure. However, not everyone with severe tooth decay is a good candidate for root canal, and a dentist will have to order an x-ray to determine whether a root canal is a viable option or not.

People with flawed teeth don't have to endure their condition for long when they find a dentist in Concord who can provide them with a wide variety of dental treatments— from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry. Missing teeth can be corrected through dentures or bridges, and discolored or stained teeth can be restored to their natural pearl color through bleaching treatments. People with worn down or misaligned teeth can opt for veneers, one of the most popular reasons behind the million-dollar smiles of many Hollywood stars these days. It's human nature to be drawn to people who are likeable and in good spirits. However, people with teeth problems may have a hard time accomplishing this simply because they avoid smiling. Fortunately, with help from trustworthy dentists like Dr. Kent Davis and his team at Dr. Kent Davis Dentistry, people have a chance to restore their smiles so they can finally smile like they mean it.

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An article on Colgate's website offers practical advice to the general public: “Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums at home, you still need to see your dentist regularly. Your dentist can check for problems that you may not see or feel. Many dental problems don't become visible or cause pain until they are in more advanced stages.” Looking for a competent dentist in Concord, CA who would take good care of your oral health is a process that you must take seriously. That's because your dentist is supposed to be your partner in achieving better dental health. That same reason makes it important to find someone who will take a personal interest in you and your oral health.

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There are people who have a fear of dentists. These people, however, also know that going to the dentist would help keep their teeth strong and healthy. These medical professionals are armed with the right equipment and know-how to help a patient keep his or her mouth healthy.

Knowing these facts does not take away the fear, so here are some things a person with dental fear can do to help him or her go through a dental session smoothly:

Panic control

A patient that is frequently panicking will more or less have an extremely horrible dental session. Help the body relax by taking note of the body parts that are tensing up and focusing on loosening them up. That should keep a patient busy. Besides, the Novocain will negate any pain.

Good Sounds Help

Studies have shown that good music can help a stressed person calm down in a stress-inducing situation. It is perfectly reasonable for one to just bring out his or her music player and turn it up to full volume while the dentist is doing his or her thing.

The Power of Images

A patient afraid of dental procedures can ask the dentist to hang a picture that he or she could look at. Taking one's mind off the operation helps.

If all else fails, however, a patient can just close his or her eyes. Everything is for the sake of the teeth, after all.

"Removing plaque and tartar is usually the first step, but in worst cases, the dentist may recommend surgery. Pain is not much of an issue these days, with anesthesia and antibiotic prescribed after treatment. Maintaining healthy gums after the procedure by strictly adhering to proper oral care is essential if all the cosmetic measures you've taken are to mean anything at all. As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Consider visiting trusted dentists in Concord, CA such as those from Dr. Kent Davis to have your gums checked. It takes more than intention to keep your gums looking and feeling their best."

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"The best whitening systems feature a buffer in the gel that protects the tooth enamel from damage, are extremely effective, and can transform teeth in a single office visit. Your teeth can literally brighten up to 10 shades in about an hour. A glowing smile that shows beautiful white teeth can be priceless. It is oral health at its best, on the surface at least. Visiting a seasoned dentist in Concord, CA like the professionals from Dr. Kent Davis dental office can create a bit of that magic for you."

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Your gums are just as important as your teeth. Without this soft tissue holding your teeth, you won't have the power to munch food, and in worse cases, your teeth will start falling off. The gums deserve proper care and treatment just as you give your teeth. To avoid acquiring gum disease or infection, here are some preventive gum care tips you can follow.

How you take care of your teeth determines how healthy your gums will be. Failing to brush your teeth at least twice a day will allow bacteria to slowly find their way from the surface of your teeth to the gums. Unfortunately, these bacteria can bring as much damage to the gums as they can bring to the teeth by producing enzymes that later become lactic acid. The only difference is that the gums are softer and more vulnerable.

Flossing is also an important preventive care for the gums. It can do what brushing cannot—remove foodstuff that are stuck between your teeth. Food should never reach this area because it can fall straight down to the gums and allow bacteria to thrive.

Gum disease usually starts from minor gingivitis and can lead to severe gum recession if not properly given attention. Aside from protecting your gums by brushing your teeth, you can actually take plaque and other bacteria out of your gums by rinsing with mouthwash.

It didn't take the state's dental board long to suspend the dentist indefinitely. The rusty tools and reused needles recovered from the inspection last March were all the evidence the board needed. Standard medical and dental procedures always warrant the use of clean, sterile tools and equipment per patient, as well as the disposal of needles and such. It certainly won't cost a reputable Concord dentist like Dr. Kent Davis hundreds to buy a box of 100 needles.

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Skilled Concord dentist Dr. Kent Davis, DDS is offering Zoom! teeth whitening treatments worth $249 to interested patients until August 15. Summer is the perfect time to hit the beaches, show off that toned body, and get a tan. Sure enough, you want to add pearly whites to your overall appearance. One way to do that is by using Zoom! teeth whitening treatment. The Zoom! teeth whitening system uses a 32-percent hydrogen peroxide gel that sticks to the enamel through exposure to UV lamps. Many dental practitioners use Zoom! because it reduces the odds of teeth fading back to its original shade, as well as fast treatment time. A one-time appointment only takes 45 minutes. Don't wait until the end of summer to visit one of the most respected dentists in Concord, CA for quality teeth whitening. Visit DrKentDavis.com to book an appointment and tell them you heard about the offer on their website.

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The number of links of dental problems to various diseases keeps on growing. In a recent report in Men's Health Magazine, a multinational team of scientists found out how periodontitis shares similar traits with rheumatoid arthritis. Until recently, the link between the two health problems were as vague as the meaning of life; researchers hope for other studies to use their findings as a springboard for a more conclusive analysis and give the public another reason to visit their Concord, CA dentist.

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Concord, California (August 12, 2013) – Dr. Kent Davis, a trusted dentist in Concord, CA, is offering sedation dentistry to help patients get over their fear of undergoing any dental treatments. The dentist and his staff use different methods that work together to keep the patients relaxed and at ease throughout the duration of their dental procedure.

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According to Dr. Peter Milgrom, director of the Dental Fears Research Clinic at the University of Washington in Seattle, around eight percent of Americans have certain levels of dental phobia. This condition is one of the major reasons why many people do not get proper dental attention. The common reasons for dental fear include a previous bad experience with a dentist and a negative impression toward dental procedures because of the stories they heard.

Still, in-office dental treatments are extremely necessary for good oral health. You should not compromise avoiding it due to some phobia. The best way to overcome dental fear is to find a reliable dentist. By simply knowing that your dentist is capable of performing the procedure you need, you will feel secure and confident as you sit on the dentist’s chair.

Depending on the required procedure, your dentist will sedate you so that you will not feel any potential pain. This makes the process all the more comfortable, so you don't have to look at it as dangerous. For simple procedures like extraction and bleaching, inhalation and intravenous sedation may do.

The positive atmosphere in a dental office also influences a patient's mood and response. Dentists who employ friendly staff members are less likely to encounter patients who suffer extreme anxiety during the procedure. However, the family of a patient should do their part in the encouragement by explaining the benefits of the procedure before going to the dentist.

What do orthodontists, periodontists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and cosmetic dentists have in common? They all started out in the broader field of dentistry—general dentistry. Of more than 150,000 dentists all over the U.S., around 60 percent of them are general dentists. While they might have little or no specialized training for each dental field, they make up for it by offering a broader range of services. Apart from prophylaxis, they can also install dental implants, whiten teeth, perform surgery, etc.

General dentists are produced after completing four years in dental school in addition to three years in a regular college. After passing the state board exam, they can either set up shop in a community of their choice or pursue a specialization. The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental fields (cosmetic dentistry not included). Each field has its own curriculum.

In recent years, however, general dentistry itself has grown to the point of having its own specialized program. For instance, the Academy of General Dentistry can bestow two titles to a general dentist upon completing certain requirements. A dentist needs to complete 500 hours of dental education, and must be a member of the AGD for three years to become a fellow (FAGD). Another 600 hours and he can become a master (MAGD). 

While the dentist is the heart of any dental practice, he doesn't work alone. Someone has to receive new patients, prepare the anesthetic, apply agents, and clean the instruments. For the most part, the dentist has neither the time nor need to do these things; he normally has his hands full performing the more precise operations, like tooth extraction. This is why the dentist keeps a skilled team of specialists to help him make preparations and treat patients.

The composition of a dental team varies by office; but the most common include an anesthesiologist, hygienist, receptionist, and dental nurse. The more extensive dental offices, which offer more than general dentistry, may include an in-house orthodontist and dental therapist. In some cases, the dentist may assume multiple roles as long as he's trained and certified to do so. A general dentist, for example, can also be an orthodontist.

Except for the dentist, the dental team is normally limited to pre-operative procedures like preparing the tools, giving patients the anesthetic, and so on. It's the duty of the dentist to ensure that these procedures go smoothly to ensure the safety of the patient. The dentist never leaves the most important and complicated treatments to his team, making him the glue that holds the team together. 

In various ways, the media and society in general has influenced how people feel and react to the prospect of having a root canal. However, you should know that this procedure is important if you want to save a natural tooth that has been infected by plaque or badly decayed. In this procedure, the tooth's infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed again.

Aside from infection, the need for a root canal could also arise from a major trauma or a crack in the tooth that left the tooth's nerves exposed. If you opt to forgo the root canal treatment when you are clearly in need of it, the infected tooth's pulp might worsen and lead to abscess, bone destruction and even infection of the bloodstream.

Root canal procedures take more than just one session; another possible reason why many dread the operation. The first part involves the removal of the pulp and cleaning of the root; then some medication may also be put in the pulp chamber and root canal to prevent the spread of any bacteria.

Your first session might end with having a temporary crown put up; in the succeeding steps however, the pulp chamber shall be filled and permanently sealed. Afterwards, a new crown will be set up to protect the whole thing and restore the function of your damaged tooth.

While it is obvious that good teeth are considered attractive, it's only fairly recently that scientists have figured out just why. According to an article published in the Daily Mail, teeth are subconsciously regarded as a sort of indicator of another person's health, especially women. Basically, the cleaner and whiter the person's teeth are, the healthier he or she is believed to be, further proving the correlation of oral health with personal health. Of course, it's practically impossible to maintain a perfectly-white set of teeth without consulting a professional like Dr. Kent Davis, who is a reliable Concord dentist. Even the simple act of eating is enough to ruin teeth, with specific types of food like berries, soda, and soy sauce simply hastening the process. As a remedy, dentists use a bleaching formula, usually made from carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, to give teeth their natural, white glow.

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Regardless of what happens to the country's healthcare system, you should never deny yourself quality dental care. An article posted in Omaha.com stressed the importance of dentists in Nebraska, and how residents must make every effort to address all dental-related issues in their state. Among the challenges they face is the straining of healthcare resources in the future, no thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). California also has some issues with the ACA since the state has only decided to improve children's dental care for 2015, and add nothing more for adults. Still, that shouldn't stop you from scheduling an appointment with a dentist in Concord, CA like Dr. Kent Davis. Such practitioners know the importance of quality dental care, and how it shouldn't be denied to people even when policy changes prevent them from receiving it.

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Your dentist, like all other medical practitioners, should not render a diagnosis for an illness or condition without thorough examination of the symptoms and other elements like samples of your blood, examination of your gum tissue, an x-ray of your teeth, etc. This meticulousness should be banked on by all their clients and patients.

However, there are times when your dentist makes a call that might get you wondering if a second opinion should be sought. For instance, a diagnosis of a major condition such as oral cancer or a chronic periodontal disease might find some people second guessing. Also, the patient might be having some issues regarding the reliability of the dental professional or the efficiency of his work.

In cases like this, seeking a second opinion isn't always a bad thing. As a matter of fact, the diagnoses of two different dentists might even help you get a clearer view with regards to your condition and thus make a more informed choice. Likewise, getting a second opinion that ends up proving your primary dentist's diagnosis just might disperse any cloud of doubt.

There are instances where you could ask your primary dental health professional if you could opt for a second opinion, and if he's confident enough about his work, he just might greenlight it. Get a referral from him, or contact a local dental school or organization to help you look for a second opinion.

Allaying the fears of dental visits can be tough. This can be the case when these helpful doctors dedicated to getting their patients' teeth strong, clean, and healthy are used by many parents and other adults to scare kids into demanding their full compliance.

To help your child become more comfortable when visiting a dentist, it's best to not to talk about one in a bad light. However, kids sometimes get the idea that dentists are scary through their friends or the media. If your child asks questions about dentists, try your best to answer them truthfully.

Dismiss the rumors quickly by supplanting them facts about what actually happens in a dental office. Tell your child that a dentist's primary concern is no less than the health of his or her teeth. The more careful he or she is in maintaining good oral hygiene, the less stressful a trip to the dentist will be.

It would be easier for kids to change their impression of a dentist from fear to trust and confidence. This is ideal if their first dental visit will simply be a dental check-up instead of the more delicate tooth extraction. It's also for the best interest of your child if his or her first dentist has ample experience in dealing with kids.

Diet soda contains less or no sugar, so it's bound to be less risky for your teeth, right? It's just as bad, according to a recent report published in General Dentistry. This is because sugar, says the report, is hardly to blame. Both regular and diet soda have the same level of acidity, which can melt through the tough enamel. While diet soda contains less sugar for bacteria to feed on, the high level of acidity can spell disaster for your pearly whites.

When researchers compared three sets of teeth—the first from a meth user, the second from a cocaine user, and the third from a heavy soda drinker—the resemblance was striking. Soda eroded teeth as much as cocaine and meth did. Worse, all three sets of teeth were in an advanced state of decay.

Keeping soda intake to a minimum and brushing your teeth every day can prevent tooth decay and tooth loss. In response to the aforementioned study, the American Beverage Association reminded the public to drink moderate amounts of carbonated drinks.

Keep in mind that soda is never meant to be consumed like water. If you insist on drinking soda, make sure to follow it up with good oral hygiene. If you can't brush your teeth or gargle with mouthwash after drinking soda, you should gargle with water to protect the enamel. Remember that tooth enamel is the only thing standing between bacteria and the more sensitive areas in your tooth. 

Many people get stressed and anxious in the dentist's chair; a situation that could affect the efficiency of their treatment. Thankfully, dentists can now keep you relaxed and cooperative in any procedure by using different types and levels of dental sedation.

One of the most popular forms of dental sedation is nitrous oxide or N₂O, a gas that is administered by inhalation using a nose mask. The gas can effectively relax the patient and send him in a euphoric and relaxed state while still conscious, in just a matter of minutes. Oftentimes, this is given together with a sedative to reduce pain. When given a combination of N₂O and sedative, a patient will have no memory of the treatment.

There are also sedatives given through IV or intravenous drip. These medications go directly to the blood stream which brings about their effectiveness. Unlike in nitrous oxide gas solutions, the patient can be rendered very near a state of unconsciousness, depending on the patient's needs and health condition.

General anesthesia is often used for the most complex dental services such as implants or root canal procedures. For these, the patient will be rendered completely unconscious. Dentists have to be very careful when administering general anesthesia, though, as many adverse complications could develop on the patient. 

Some people, even adults, fear going to the dentist which prevents them from getting the proper dental care they need. This anxiety results to toothache, teeth loss and bad breath or halitosis. In extreme cases, complications like heart diseases, diabetes and stroke set in. Fortunately, there are different methods and treatments available to reduce pain and fear when on a dentist's chair.

Oral Sedation

This is the use of a prescription medications to give you a good sleep, and a mild sedative before your appointment so you'll come in the dental office, relaxed and ready for your treatment. Another dose is given in the office to completely give you a good experience and leave you with no memory of it. This benefits those who have dental phobia, have treatments that will take longer than usual, and who have gag reflex.

Nitrous Oxide

Laughing gas is given alone or with sedation to create a pleasant feeling and prevent the patient from being antsy. After five minutes of inhalation, he'll feel cold and experience no pain.

Research findings from the Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg in Sweden show that the common coping practices that could help people get through their dental appointments are creating distraction, distancing themselves mentally from the procedure, prayer, and optimism. These methods and treatments can help anyone get through his dental treatment but taking care of one's teeth is still the best solution.