Monday, May 16, 2016

Soothing Techniques For Patients

Are you nervous or anxious just walking into the reception area of your dentist’s office?

What happens when you go into the exam room? Do your nerves get even worse?

Going to the dentist can be a stressful and sometimes even a fearful experience for people. Some surveys suggest that dental phobia affects 13% to 24% of people around the world!

With so many people suffering from anxiety and stress at the dentist, we want to make sure that you’re always comfortable and relaxed when you visit Dr. DiStefano & Associates!

We use many gentle dental techniques when you come to visit us to ensure your comfort and to soothe any lingering anxieties you might have when you come in, whether for a teeth cleaning, to get a cavity filled, or for any other procedure we offer.

If you get nervous before visiting the dentist, here are some suggestions for things you can do to make sure that you’re as calm and collected as possible in the waiting room and exam room.


  • Bring your ipod and listen to music in the waiting room! Listening to your favorite artist can relax you and put you in a better mood.
  • If sitting in the waiting room makes you anxious, try not to arrive too early. Get there 10 minutes early (if you don’t have to fill out paperwork!) to decrease the amount of time you sit and think about your procedure.
  • Talk to your dentist! Many dentists and hygienists know that people can be nervous about their dental appointments, and many will go out of their way to make sure that you’re comfortable.


For more information or to find out how the team at Dr. DiStefano’s office can help you get over your dental phobia, contact us today!

Monday, May 2, 2016

Different Methods of Dental Sedation

Do you suffer from dental phobia?

Do you get nervous or anxious sitting in the waiting room at your dentist’s office waiting for your name to get called?

Are you nervous about having any kind of procedure done?

You’re not alone! Many Americans suffer from dental phobia, and luckily, many dentists are now offering sedation to help those people.

If you’re getting a root canal or any other kind of painful procedure that causes your nerves to go into overdrive, let us take care of you with gentle dental procedures! We want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible, and want to inform you about all the strides in dentistry when it comes to sedation methods.

When Would I Need To Be Sedated?


Most people are sedated only in surgical or lengthy dental procedures where the procedure itself would be painful, or would take more than an hour to complete. Some examples of these kinds of procedures are root canals, teeth extractions, and wisdom teeth removal.

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Different Types of Sedation Dentistry


Sedation dentistry is a great alternative for people who experience fear when they visit their dentist. There are several different types:


  • Inhaled minimal sedation: You breathe nitrous oxide – “laughing gas” – combined with oxygen through a mask placed over your nose. 
  • Oral sedation: Depending on the dose given, this can range from minimal to moderate (you may not remember much of the procedure). A pill taken before the procedure will make you drowsy.
  • IV moderate sedation: You receive the drug through an IV, which may help eliminate pain and fear.
  • Deep sedation and general anesthesia: This type will make you either slightly or totally unconscious throughout the procedure. This type of sedation may require a longer recovery period.


Talk to your dentist if you think being sedated during your procedures would make you more relaxed! At Dr. DiStefano’s office, we believe that gentle dental procedures are the best way to keep people coming back for their appointments and to help them get over their fears.