Relaxation Techniques

Dr. Prehn believes that relaxation techniques in the office are important for patient care. It is no surprise that dental phobia affects 50% of the population. So much, that many patients never seek dental care because of fear and/or anxiety. Dr. Prehn utilizes many relaxation techniques including the use of nitrous oxide sedation (or laughing gas), oral sedation prior to dental visits along with oral conscious sedation—prior to the actual procedures. Conscious sedation allows the patient to have work performed in an office setting without general anesthesia, but has little or no memory of what occurred during the actual procedure.

"Conscious sedation allows the patient to have treatment in an office setting without general anesthesia, but he or she will have little or no memory of what actually transpired. It is a great alternative for many patients in today's society who have a high degree of fear or anxiety prior to dental visits."

Frederick C. Prehn. D.D.S.

On a regular basis, he also utilizes headphones with televisions mounted on the ceiling along with massaging chairs. The younger patients truly enjoy watching cartoons while many adult patients take advantage of the TV's on the ceiling as well, to help take their mind off of the actual procedure being performed.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a procedure where the patient takes relaxation medication the night before and then a strong dose of relaxation oral medication prior to and during the procedure—as needed. Seldom will the patient remember any part of the treatment.

Massaging Dental Chairs
In January 2006 Dr. Prehn went through a major office remodeling project in an effort to make a patient's visit more relaxing. New massaging dental chairs were placed in all operatories. These chairs provide shoulder and lumber massaging action—if the patient desires. This, along with ceiling mounted TV's and headphones, is a plus for patients who want to have their mind taken off of their actual procedure.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation (or laughing gas) has been around since the late 1800's. It is an extremely safe inhalant relaxation medication that allows the patient to have procedures done in an office setting while feeling light-headed or giggly. It reverses very quickly, in less than two to three minutes, after the procedure is finished and has little or no side effects. Thousands of patients per year use nitrous oxide sedation, along with local anesthetic, to have procedures performed in an office setting.

"Nitrous oxide is a minimally invasive drug that is used on a routine basis in an office setting for children and adults alike. For many people this is all that is necessary in order to receive dental care with a minimal amount of anxiety.

Frederick C. Prehn, D.D.S.