Calming Dental Fears and Anxiety in The Woodlands By Shirley Cagle, DDS

Does going to the dentist fill you with fear or anxiety? You’re not alone and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s estimated that as many as 75 percent of adults in America experience some level of unease about the dentist. What can you do? Laugh it off with Nitrous Oxide available at my dental practice in The Woodlands, TX.

Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. So calming and effective, you may fall asleep through your treatment.

Advantages of Nitrous Oxide

• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
• There is no after effect such as a "hangover."
• Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
• Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
• It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2-3 minutes its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.

If fear has kept you from the dentist, consider Nitrous Oxide for your next appointment. If you’ve got any questions, just call my dental office in The Woodlands today.

Dental Advice from Woodlands’ Dr. Shirley Cagle

You are diligent about getting your yearly cancer screenings and doing your self-exams…but are you as diligent about knowing what is going on in your mouth? Believe it or not, awareness of changes in your mouth (not just your teeth) could protect you just as much as all those other exams.

A surprising number of medical conditions first show their presence in subtle and painless changes in your mouth. So go ahead, stick your tongue out at yourself in the mirror every few mornings. Look at the color of your tongue and gums. Changes in color could indicate iron deficiencies, diabetes, or gum disease. If your teeth suddenly seem to be breaking down, it could be an indication of gastric reflux. And be sure to check for any sores or spots. They could be the beginning of oral cancer.

Whatever the changes are, they should be checked out. Remember, home checks are helpful, but they aren’t as thorough as the ones I conduct in my office. I have all the latest equipment to help me see better and in more detail and the training to recognize the most subtle changes. To schedule your yearly exam, call me, Dr. Shirley Cagle, at my Woodlands dental office –  (281) 681-9442.