Nearly 90 million Americans (one-third of the U.S. population) are afraid to go to the dentist. Fear alone accounts for 40 percent of the U.S. population not seeing a dentist during any given year. However, the fear factor isn’t the only thing keeping people away. Time-stressed schedules are the culprit for many busy Americans, especially those with long work commutes.
One area dental practice is reaching out to both fearful and time-stressed patients through a sedation dentistry open house on Thursday, March 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will be hosted by the staff at Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins, 10646 River Road, Denton. The program is designed to provide information in a casual setting with the practice’s staff and actual patients available to address questions and concerns.
Attendees will receive an information packet, which includes a certificate for a complimentary new patient exam and xrays valued at $256. The free event also includes refreshments. Space is limited.
Sedation dentistry and how it works
Performed by specially trained dentists, sedation dentistry is a procedure that relaxes the patient and reduces anxiety. One of the leading sedation dentistry procedures is an oral sedation technique referred to as oral conscious sedation (OCS). Patients take a prescription drug provided by their dentist prior to their appointment that is basically the equivalent of a higher dose of a common sleeping pill. Although patients are conscious during their dental procedure they are relaxed and not anxious. In fact many patients do not remember their appointment at all.
Dentists who provide sedation dentistry must adhere to guidelines established by the American Dental Association and must undergo training and actual clinical experience before providing sedation dentistry for their patients.
“Being afraid to get the care you know you need is often embarrassing for many patients,” says Patricia E. Higgins, D.D.S. “We are here to provide our services and to help our patients in a relaxing, non-judgmental environment,” she adds. “Some patients have had traumatic experiences at the dentist’s office as a child or perhaps dislike the sounds, tastes, and smells associated with dental care,” says Rowland S. Holsinger, D.D.S.  “Sedation dentistry can help these patients get the care they need as well as the patient who wants to combine five or six separate appointments into one due to time constraints,” he adds.
For more information on sedation dentistry or to register for the open house call (410) 479-3644 in Maryland  or (800) 617-3644 in Delaware. Walk-ins are welcome. Residents who are unable to attend the event can set up a free private, confidential consultation.
Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins opened in February 1986 and offers the convenience of comprehensive care for adult patients. They provide routine dental check-ups and cleanings as well as cosmetic enhancements to improve the appearance of crooked, chipped, unevenly spaced, or stained teeth. Since 2001 Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins has also provided sedation dentistry for the fearful patient or for those patients who wish to combine multiple procedures in fewer appointments.
Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins also houses a TMJ Diagnostic and Imaging Center. Services include:
•    Sedation dentistry
•    Oral conscious sedation
•    ClearCorrect ™ (invisible braces)
•    Zoom 2 and in-office whitening/bleaching
•    Implants
•    Single-visit crowns
•    Veneers
•    Lumineers
•    Laser gum treatment
•    Bonding
Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins is now accepting new adult patients. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins at (800) 617-3644 (Delaware) or (410) 479-3644, or visit www.smilesby.com.