One of the most intimidating ideas for millions of people is a visit for a dental procedure. For some, the source of the anxiety is the horror stories that they’ve heard. For others, the fear may stem from a bad experience in the past. Whatever the reason, it’s important to have the necessary procedures to ensure your oral wellness, so your dentist in Jacksonville has taken a novel approach to calming your frazzled nerves. He employs the help of a wondrous canine named Shadow. Learn how this dynamic dog will make your next appointment a breeze and other forms of sedation dentistry offered.
Shadow’s Story
Dr. Scott Wagner first discovered Shadow through a rescue group (The Grayter Good) for Weimaraners that his wife is very involved in. Already aware that between nine and 20 percent of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear, Dr. Wagner was interested in adding another facet to the sedation dentistry that he already offers patients.
He and his wife began fostering Shadow and then discovered that he would be the perfect fit for calming patients’ nerves, based on his laidback demeanor. Shadow would undergo extensive preparation to become a therapy dog through a private training organization called Rescue Me. Through his training, he’s learned how to respond to various types of discomfort to provide patients with a loving nudge of reassurance.
Other Forms of Sedation Dentistry
Along with the care and attention of Shadow, Dr. Wagner offers patients the following forms of sedation dentistry:
- Oral Sedation – If you are experiencing phobia about your dental procedure, your oral expert can prescribe an oral sedative. You will take it about an hour before your appointment and will be able to experience a peaceful procedure. The effects will take some time to wear off, so you’ll need to have someone drive you home after the procedure is completed.
- IV Sedation – This method is similar to taking an oral sedative, except that it’s delivered intravenously. This allows your dentist to adjust the dosage throughout the process as needed.
- NuCalm – If you’re uneasy with the idea of using medication to calm your nerves, another option is the NuCalm method. It’s a clinical system designed to help both your mind and body relax in a safe, non-invasive way. It incorporates the use of a topical cream or chews, stimulation patches, headphones and an eye mask.
If you’ve been hesitant to have essential dental work done in the past because of your anxiety or fears, you now have several avenues available to you. Whether you prefer the natural interaction with another living creature, the fast action of medication or tapping into the calming abilities of your own mind, your Jacksonville dentist has a path carved out for you.
To learn more about these methods or schedule a consultation, just reach out today!
About the Author
Dr. W. Scott Wagner earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. His passion for the ever-evolving field of dentistry has since driven him to take over 100 hours of continued education each year. He also remains committed to creating a level of exceptional comfort, while delivering top-notch care at his Eccella practice. Dr. Wagner can be reached for more information through his website.