Doctor, will it hurt?
Jan. 1993

Over 34 million Americans never see the dentist due to the fear of pain! This is an alarming number, considering the advances of modern dentistry. Is this a real fear of current practices or of prior experiences? Many psychologists say that 95% of fear comes from prior childhood experiences.

Today there are pain relievers that enable a person to visit a dentist without feeling any real pain. There are ointments that numb the area to be anesthetized, numbing solutions that enable everyone to have dental treatment without pain. There is the use of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) to bring people to an extremely relaxed state. These methods are very technique sensitive and require the dentist to take proper time to administer; you cannot rush the body to get numb! In addition to the above-for people who are extremely apprehensive, there are sedatives that can be taken prior to their visit. The advent of the use of new drugs and techniques makes going to the dentist a pleasant experience.

The use of new high tech instruments also allows the person to have treatment with faster, more efficient and less painful methods. The use of lasers to treat dental conditions offers a virtually painless approach as compared to more traditional methods.

In addition to the elimination of pain, there is a question of sounds and smells. Today, with the use of stereo headphones, and overhead TV's, patients virtually hear only what is playing on their stereo or TV. Smells of medical drugs of the past are also gone from the state of the art dental office. Today, you will most likely see the smile and upbeat nature of the dentist and his team in a bright modern office where pain is mostly a thought of the past. The key to painless dentistry is don't wait until it hurts!

Dr. Pinero is currently the Chief of Dental Surgery at St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee. He is a clinical professor at Marquette University School of Dentistry in the department of diagnostic and surgical sciences. Dr. Pinero lectures locally and nationally to physicians and dentists about techniques he employs in his practice of dentistry.

Dr. Pinero has been in practice with his wife in Milwaukee for 11 years where they emphasize'comprehensive adult restorative dentistry.

If you have any suggestions for future topics or have a specific question you would like answered, please call Dr. Pinero's office at 282-2050 or write to 7308 W. Layton Ave, Greenfield WI 53220.