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Pittsburgh Sedation Dentistry Puts Your Mind at Ease

Pittsburgh Sedation Dentistry Puts Your Mind at Ease | Butler, PA

Pittsburgh Sedation Dentistry Puts Your Mind at Ease | Butler, PAFear of the dentist’s chair is a common concern that affects people of all ages. Dental anxiety can stem from various sources, including past traumatic experiences, fear of pain, or even a dental office’s unfamiliar sounds and smells. If you suffer from dental anxiety, you can find help with Pittsburgh sedation dentistry at Brockley Dental Center.

Don’t let dental anxiety negatively impact your oral health and general well-being. At our Butler, PA practice, our team of doctors offers multiple sedation options to help you find the best solution for easing your fears.

Pittsburgh Sedation Dentistry Explained

Simply put, sedation dentistry uses sedatives to relax patients during dental procedures. The treatments alleviate general anxieties and manage pain. This method has proven effective for many of our patients with dental anxiety or phobia.

Patients opt for this approach for various reasons. Maybe they dread the sound of dental tools, have super sensitive teeth, or can’t sit still. Some might even have special needs that make regular dental visits challenging. Whatever the reason, we know it’s valid, and we are committed to compassionate care for everyone.

Pittsburgh Sedation Dentistry Options

Depending on your needs, we can use different sedation methods:

  • Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas,” is a gas administered through a nosepiece or mask. It induces relaxation within about three minutes. The sedation level can be tailored to your needs during the procedure, and after it’s done, we can eliminate the nitrous oxide by introducing pure oxygen. Because nitrous oxide quickly exits your system, most patients can safely drive home after their appointment.
  • Conscious oral sedation: For this option, you’ll take a pill or syrup about an hour before the procedure. It might make you very relaxed, to the point of dozing off, but you can be easily awakened if needed. But know that you’ll need a ride home afterward from a trusted friend or family member.
  • Dental therapy dogs: At Brockley Dental Center, we have two friendly dental therapy dogs trained to provide emotional support, effectively reducing anxiety levels both before and during dental procedures. Their presence is particularly reassuring for children with dental anxiety and provides a more relaxed and stress-free experience.

The Impact of Dental Anxiety on Your Health

Oral Health Decline

Dental anxiety often leads to avoiding routine dental check-ups and necessary treatments. This avoidance can result in a significant decline in oral health. Untreated dental issues, such as cavities and gum disease, can worsen over time and lead to more complex and painful dental problems.

Systemic Health Risks

Your oral health is intricately connected to your overall health. Untreated dental problems can increase the risk of systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. The inflammation and infection in the mouth can spread throughout the body, potentially leading to severe health consequences.

Mental Health Impacts

Dental anxiety can take a toll on your mental health. The constant worry and fear associated with dental visits can lead to heightened stress levels, anxiety disorders, and even depression. As a result, you may struggle to enjoy everyday activities or grow personally and professionally. This, in turn, can affect your quality of life and overall well-being.

Breaking the Cycle

To maintain your oral and overall health, it’s key to break the cycle of dental anxiety. Experiencing dental care in safe surroundings while relaxed helps you manage your fear. At Brockley Dental, we understand the significance of addressing your dental anxiety by providing a supportive environment.

Our team is committed to ensuring your comfort and well-being throughout your dental journey. Whether you require a simple treatment or a more complex procedure, we offer various sedation options to help you overcome your dental fears.

Pittsburgh Sedation Dentistry: Let Us Help

If dental anxiety has prevented you from getting the care you need, it’s time to seek assistance. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective solution that can improve your oral and overall health, enhance your mental well-being, and provide a stress-free dental experience.

The team at Brockley Dental Center is dedicated to the oral health and well-being of our patients. Sedation dentistry can help you overcome your dental anxiety and regain control of your oral health. Contact Brockley Dental Center today to schedule your first visit and experience dental care without anxiety. Your fears are valid, and we can address them together.

Donald B. Brockley, DMD

Dr. Brockley earned his doctorate degree in Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine in 1972. He is a second generation dentist and a legacy of the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine where his father, Dr. Charles R. Brockley earned his doctorate in general dentistry in the year 1927. While attending the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, he held the office of Class Secretary for his graduating class. Following dental school, he chose to do his residency training at Wilmington Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, with a focus on research. Upon completing his residency, Dr. Brockley enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War Era as a Naval Officer. Dr. Brockley opened his own private practice 1975 in Butler, PA a historic town just 34 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Brockley held the office of President of the Butler County Dental Society. After many years of practice, Dr. Brockley realized that fear is the #1 reason why people do not visit their dentist regularly. Therefore, he made it his mission to find an alternative way to practice (and to help his patients overcome this fear). This alternative was through Sedation Dentistry. In 1996 he became trained in Conscious Oral Sedation. This technique allowed him to treat fearful patients by gently putting them to sleep with the aid of a pill, not needle IV sedation which was the popular treatment at that time. Dr. Brockley received his dental training at the following institutions: University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry, Raleigh, NC Mini Dental Implant Training Centre, Buffalo, NY. Due to the high number of patients who are diabetic in his practice, his next goal was to understand the impact of Diabetes in Dentistry. Due to the subset of Diabetic patients in his practice who had similar recurring oral and systemic health problems, special attention became warranted. This led to a different standard of care and treatment for patients whose health was compromised by diabetes. Early detection, observation, evaluation and treatment to eradicate infection plays a major role in maintaining oral health for diabetic patients. Poorly managed treatment for diabetic patients has been shown to lead to a higher risk of uncontrolled gum disease and vice versa, making prevention of gum disease the #1 priority for this subset of patients. Dr. Brockley’s research on dentistry for diabetics led him to his next specialization: the treatment and eradication of gum disease. His aim has been to change the the treatment of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. For this reason, he designed a radically different protocol to the Soft Tissue Management (STM) program. STM treats the symptoms of gum disease, and more importantly, the underlying cause of gum disease, bacteria. Studies have shown that gum disease affects 80% of American adults. However, Dr. Brockley has observed that more than 90% of his baby boomer patients have gum disease. His unique STM protocol has shown significant success within his patient population. With patient knowledge, understanding, and cooperation, Dr. Brockley is able to arrest and manage gum disease in his practice. After perfecting his procedures for crowns, bridges, partials and dentures to replace missing teeth, the introduction of Small Diameter Implants (also known as SDI or Mini Dental Implants) into his practice has revolutionized the way Dr. Brockley practices cosmetic dentistry. Small Diameter Implants provide the possibility of full mouth restoration, multiple teeth restoration, or single tooth restoration. Small Diameter Implants can be implemented in all types of tooth and bone conditions, in all ages, and in all types of health conditions. Dr. Brockley uses Small Diameter Implants to restore chewing ability and create beautiful smiles, which ultimately changes peoples’ lives. Dr. Brockley is the proud owner and operator of the first Mini Dental Implant Center of America in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Dr. Brockley has achieved Diplomate status in the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants. He is the President Emeritus of the Butler County Dental Society. Dr. Brockley was also a Lieutenant in the US Navel Dental Core. He is a a lifetime member of the Delta Sigma Dental Fraternity, and he was the Class Secretary for the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. Dr. Brockley likes to spend time with his family at home or while traveling, has been an avid scuba diver since 1980, and describes himself as a “just okay” golfer.

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