The following article was written by Kent Bush, publisher of the Augusta Gazette.
If everyone did everything they knew they should, the world would be a far better place.
We all know that it is in our best interest to see a dentist twice a year, but not everyone does it.
One of the main reasons given for skipping dentist visits is pain - more specifically the fear of pain - related to dentistry.
Dr. Rob Colt of Augusta Family Dentistry said most of the anxiety related to dentistry comes from one bad experience or tales of bad experiences from others. But he hopes patients realize that even if it has only been a few years, dentistry has changed for the better.
"I won't say it's painless," Dr. Colt said. "But most procedures are very tolerable for almost anyone now."
He said the X-rays and impressions are much quicker and easier, than before and anesthetics are more powerful and effective.
"We even use anesthetic swabs before we give shots," Colt said. "Technology has advanced and we take every precaution to make the experience enjoyable."
Dr. Colt said one of the main tools in helping make sure a patient has a pain free visit is communication. Patients need to know what to expect from procedures. This helps limit the anxiety from even the most invasive procedure.
But Dr. Paul Mitsch, who has owned the practice in downtown Augusta for more than three decades, said he believes people are anxious about visits because they don't understand what is wrong.
"We can't be accountable for what is wrong," Dr. Mitsch said. "We are accountable for solving the problem. Once people understand what is wrong, they'll do whatever it takes to fix the problem."
Colt said some procedures - and even some patients - require special precautions.
"It is true that some people have a very high level of anxiety," Colt said. "We can help them too."
He said some patients receive nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to calm their nerves. There might be an additional fee that some insurance companies don't cover with this service.
"But a few dollars is worth a good experience," Colt said. "Usually if a patient has a few positive experiences, they will overcome their anxiety."
In other cases a mild sedative may be administered and in the most severe cases, they can use IV sedation (sleep dentistry) and take care of the necessary work while the patient sleeps.
Both dentists agreed that regular trips to the dentist to make sure that problems are solved while they are still small, rather than waiting until major work is required is important.
