Encinitas, CA (PressExposure) September 09, 2010 -- Even after all the medical advancements in pain management, anxiety still prevents millions of Americans from going to the dentist. Reasons can range from a previous bad experience (usually as a child), to the menacing look of dental instruments, to the misperception that dental care hasn't progressed since the early days of dentistry.
To make things worse, there is much anxiety over just how out of control one is when in the dentist's chair. There are usually instruments in the mouth that prohibit the ability to speak, leaving patients with a sense of helplessness.
The result is a dangerously high percentage of people who will only go to the dentist when it is absolutely necessary, forgoing all preventative care. The consequences are serious, reaching far beyond pain or loss of teeth. Gum disease is a common occurrence that can affect other parts of the body and is linked to heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
"That's why we take pain so seriously," says Dr. Coffey, an Encinitas cosmetic dentist for over 26 years. "We know that between some of our patients and their overall health is fear-fear that really is nothing more than a misperception. I've been doing this for a very long time-I can either completely eliminate all pain or reduce it to something so minimal that it is hardly even noticed."
But doesn't it depend on the procedure? "No," continues Dr. Coffey. "Even the situations most would assume where really painful. From teeth implants in Encinitas to a dental emergency in Encinitas. We can make them virtually pain-free."
"Our doctors are two of the finest dentists in Encinitas, especially in pain management," says Anna Marquine, on staff with Dr. Coffey for 20 years. "They not only use techniques that virtually eliminate pain, but they are also great with the patients, calming their fears and steadying them-which is half the battle."
Offers Susan Nunez, another long time staff member, "Others may be good with instruments, but not necessarily with people's emotions. I'd be shocked to find two other dentists in Encinitas with as many people skills as Drs. Coffey and Henninger."
"We encourage our patients to speak up if they become uncomfortable," adds Dr. Henninger. "They absolutely do not need to simply take it. I've come to dislike pain just as much as they do. I want it gone. Pain is not an option."
To find dentists in Encinitas who can give you a pain-free, or virtually pain-free experience, contact Dr. Coffey and associate Dr. Henninger, plus their superb staff, at Encinitas Dental Arts Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, 1445 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA 92024. Or call (760) 942-7370. You may also visit their website at http://www.encinitasdentalart.com.