Afraid of the Dentist? You Aren't Alone
Recently, Dr. David Kurtzman saw a new patient who had run out of options and time. Dr. Kurtzman, a Marietta dentist in private practice, realized that this man had several cavities and was in need of four root canals. He had gone for years without dental treatment. Why? Paralyzing fear.
Nearly 50 percent of Americans don't seek regular dental care, and an estimated 30-40 million people don't receive care due to fear of the dental experience. "Fear of dental pain is a very real and prevalent problem," says Dr. Kurtzman, who treats patients with dental phobia. "Most dental phobias can be traced to a bad dental experience in early childhood." Dr. Kurtzman realized that no one was really addressing the problems of these patients, so he decided to do something about it.
Having worked with many dental phobics, Dr. Kurtzman and his staff understand the anxiety and embarrassment that accompany this condition, and they provide a treatment option that is a welcome solution for many people. Dr. Kurtzman is one of the only Georgia dentists in private practice offering adult cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. He works in cooperation with Wellstar-Kennestone Hospital in Marietta.
After completing an evaluation of each patient. Dr. Kurtzman joins a team of physician anesthesiologists, surgical nurses, and technicians to perform the necessary procedures. These include: fillings, crowns, porcelain veneers, bonding, root canals, periodontal treatment, and some oral surgery. All of the procedures are handled in one day on an outpatient basis.
The hospital environment offers unique benefits:
- Patients who experience fear before and during a procedure are completely asleep, and don't see or feel anything that might trigger anxiety.
- Dr. Kurtzman can introduce a wider variety of drugs for pain, nausea, and swelling in the hospital setting.
- The recuperation period is about the same as it would be for an office procedure, but the patient has the benefit of post-op care by registered nurses.
Dr. Kurtzman remarks, "The patient is in the safest of all environments for their procedure. Physicians and life-saving equipment are readily available if ever needed."
Hospital dentistry is also an excellent option for those who have certain heart conditions, problems with gagging, back problems, or other health issues that prevent them from sitting for long periods in a dental chair. Busy executives and people with time constraints also find this treatment option helpful. The cost for dental procedures during one hospital visit is about the same as the fee for the same procedures handled in a dentist's office over a period of several visits. There are additional fees for hospital costs, but insurance can offset the cost of some procedures.
