Dental anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist is quite natural. In fact, many of Americans are fearful about going to the dentist & tend to avoid dental check-ups. Most people are not able to understand why they feel so anxious.  According to experts, needle phobia, & previous memories of bad dental experiences are among the reasons behind  this dental anxiety. The dental procedure that patients seem to be most fearful about is none other than root canals. Thus, for those suffering from extreme dental anxiety, the best option for them is to go for sedation dentistry.

Dentistry in which sedatives are used before a dental procedure is performed so that the patient remains calm & relaxed during the procedure is known as sedation dentistry. Anti-anxiety medications, nitrous oxide & tranquilizers are some of the typical sedatives that are used. In the past, sedatives were administered intravenously, where the dentist would inject the sedatives into the blood vessels of the patient’s arm or hand. However, as mentioned, needle phobia is one of the reasons behind dental anxiety & the use of needles only made patients even more anxious.

Fortunately, many alternatives have now emerged due to the advancements in dental technology, & dentists no longer need to use injections to administer these sedatives. These days, dentists are able to administer sedatives orally or in the form of anti-anxiety pills. Patients no longer have to be anxious about being poked with sharp needles. As for the dental procedure, the sedatives leave patients really relaxed & allow them to experience no pain throughout the procedure.

There are several ways in which sedation dentistry is not only beneficial for an anxious patient but also for the dentist.

At times, dental procedures, such as a root canal, can indeed be really painful & as a result of this, patients only tend to feel more anxious. Anxious patients can even prove to be a distraction for the dentist. The sedatives administered cause patients to feel numb & relaxed. Thus, dentists are able to concentrate better on the dental procedure they are performing & the patients feel no pain.

Dentists usually find it hard to carry out treatments if their patients are really anxious & stressful. This can create a situation where the dentist is not providing the absolute best care they are possible of.   Thus, when the sedatives are administered, the dentists are able to perform the dental procedure more effectively & can save you time too, while the patients remain unaware of the treatment.

While dental anxiety is quite natural, the best thing that you can do about your anxiety is find a sedation dentist they trust.  Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joseph Hufanda have the experience & knowledge you need.  For more information on Sedation Dentistry or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 704-540-2255 and ask for a free sedation dentistry consultation.

Are you afraid of the dentist? According to the American Association of Endodontists about 80% of Americans are afraid of going to the dentist. In fact 5-10% of people avoid dental visits altogether because of their fear. And 20% of people will only go to the dentist when they absolutely need to.

Most dental fear based on past experiences
Experts say that about 2/3 of people are afraid to go to the dentist because they had a bad past experience at the dentist. Others have a fear because of another issue, such as anxiety disorders. Additionally, some people who have experienced posttraumatic stress disorders may have a fear of the dentist because of how physically close the dentist and hygienist get to the patient. Often people are afraid not because of the pain, but because of the lack of control. The lack of ability to respond, and lack of control over the situation can create a lot of stress in many people.
 
Fearful patients should be assertive
When people are afraid of the dentist, they often do not feel comfortable sharing their feelings with the dentist. But, in fact, when your cosmetic dentists at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry are aware of that fear, they will be able to help the patient and walk through the process with them. After a patient shares their fears and anxiety about visiting a dentist, a gentle dentist will be careful to make the patient feel comfortable in Charlotte NC.

 
A soothing dental office helps ease anxiety
If you have anxiety about going to the dentist, consider going to a dental office that has a soothing environment. Many dental offices, including Ballantyne Dentistry in Charlotte NC create a physically soothing environment for patients. Calling it a dental spa—the dentists’ office looks, feels and even smells, like a spa. Complete with massage chairs, XM/Sirius radio and a library of DVDs, there are plenty of distractions available to help patients at this popular dentist’s office feel comfortable during their appointment.

Strategies dentists use to help patients feel comfortable
Experienced dentists in Charlotte NC use various strategies to help patients feel comfortable. But, often, the most effective strategy is simply communicating with the patient throughout the dental appointment.
 
By explaining what the patient will feel, and for how long, patients will feel more comfortable. Many gentle dentists frequently ask nervous patients if they can continue with their work—this helps the patient feel like they are in control of the situation. By letting the patient know that the appointment can end at anytime, patients are reassured knowing that they can leave if they need to.

Patients can benefit from relaxation techniques
Did you know that controlling your breathing can help if you are afraid of the dentist? Common inhaling and exhaling at a slow, controlled pace can be a big help in relaxing while at a dentist appointment. By taking a deep breath, holding it, and then letting it out slowly (like a leaky tire), you will slow your heartbeat and subsequently relax your muscles. You can also tense and relax different muscle groups—this is called progressive muscle relaxation and can help with relaxation while in stressful situations.

Are you afraid of the dentist? Try visiting the gentle dentists at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry in Charlotte NC today and see how easy it is to get back in the cosmetic dentists’ chair and on your way to good dental health!

There are many people all over Charlotte NC that are afraid of the dentist. A visit to the cosmetic dentists at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry can provide so many health benefits, it is important that patients visit them every six months. If you or your loved ones are afraid of visiting the dentist, here are a few tips:

1. It’s common to be afraid of the dentist.
There definitely are not many people who would say that going to the dentist is fun. So, a fear of going to the dentist is actually very common. If you are afraid of the dentist, your fears are normal. Sometimes, if someone had a bad experience at a dentist’s office as a child, it can make going to the dentist as an adult nerve-wracking. Some people have also inherited their fear from their parents—if someone in your family had a traumatic experience, it can be difficult to overcome the fear of the dentist.

Thankfully, the professionals at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry cosmetic dentists are well trained, and have tools and techniques to minimize discomfort and help patients relax through even the most difficult or lengthy procedure. 

2. Find the right dentist.
If you are repeatedly having bad experiences at the dentist, it is important that you find a dentist who will help you overcome your fear. Many dentists will help increase your comfort and will help reduce your anxiety. There are even dentists that specifically treat people who are nervous about visiting the dentist. One of their techniques can include sedation dentistry, and of course, a lot of encouragement. If you need a dentist, ask around to find a dentist who can meet your needs and provide you the safe environment you need. Also, you can typically make an appointment with a dentist to discuss your dental needs without actually having any work done—so you can decide beforehand if this is the best gentle dentist for you.

3. You can choose sedation dentistry.
A Charlotte NC dentist can provide a number of options for sedation dentistry. Sometimes they will just give you a pill to take before your appointment to calm your nerves. They can also provide other sedation that will help you feel more comfortable and get you through the dental appointment.

4. Take it slow.
If you are afraid of the dentist, chances are you have not been in awhile and may need a lot of work. Thankfully, you do not have to have everything done at the same time. First, just go to meet the dentist. We often have people come in for a 20 minute free consultation. Then, schedule a new patient experience. Then, you and your dentist can decide what the next steps are. Having the low-stress visits first will help calm your nerves, and ease you back into the dentist’s chair.

5. Bring distractions.
Whether you bring a friend with you, or just bring a good book, it is helpful to have some distractions when visiting your Charlotte NC dentist. A friend can talk to you while you wait for the dentist, and encourage you during the visit. But, even something like a book can help you avoid thinking about where you are. Also, most cosmetic dentists who offer sedation are able to provide distractions for you like movies, videos, or personalized music.

Are you afraid of the dentist? Call Ballantyne Center for Dentistry in Charlotte NC where they offer the latest in cosmetic dentistry techniques, along with sedation dentistry, to help you relax if you are afraid of the dentist.

Afraid of the dentist? Have you ever noticed the way your cat runs away and hides as soon as you take out his cat carrier when it is time to take him to the veterinarian? You search all over the house and you cannot find him anywhere! You look in all the bedrooms and you look in the bathrooms.  You even look around outside the house, and eventually you find him hiding way in the back underneath the bed in your guest bedroom – virtually the most impossible place from which to retrieve him.

What about you?  When it is time for you to go to the dentist, do you want to do the same thing as your cat? Do you want to go and run away and hide as far as possible from the reach of your dentist? Are you afraid of the dentist?

Dr. Joe Hufanda and Dr. Christian Yaste are very gentle dentists
At Ballantyne Center for Dentistry in Charlotte NC, Dr. Joe Hufanda and Dr. Christian Yaste understand your fears completely, and they know you want a gentle dentist. They know you want a pain free dentist. They accept that pretty much everyone is afraid of the dentist to some degree. That is why pain free dentists utilize the most advanced techniques in twilight dentistry sedation dentistry that exist today. In fact, the techniques they utilize are so advanced that they can get rid of all your pain, fear, nervousness and reservations associated with going to the dentist. There is no need for Charlotte NC dental patients to ever be afraid of the dentist again.

Do dental fears run in the family?
Even Dr. Christian Yaste’s father understands you want a pain free dentist, a gentle dentist, and a comfortable office and surroundings in which to receive your dental work. His father, who is an architect with a long-standing fear of the dentist stemming from his childhood, did not want the dental offices of his son to look anything like a dental practice. For that reason, he designed and customized the interior of Ballantyne Center for Dentistry to appear exactly the opposite from what you would expect. In fact, he modeled it to appear like a high-end spa. Now, how can you be afraid of the dentist in such relaxing surroundings?

While the spa-like interior of Ballantine Center for Dentistry is extraordinarily beneficial to patients and the expert staff who work in the office, it does pose some problems of recognition. First-time patients at the gentle dentist practice of Ballantyne Center for Dentistry often will turn right around thinking that they have arrived at a spa and not the dentist. Fortunately, the office staff has become accustomed to this, and they will call after you to make sure you know you are in the right place. Of course, if you are reading this, then you will know exactly what to expect – a high-end, luxurious and stress-free environment, and a pain free dentist who is absolutely devoted to you and your twilight dentistry needs.

Experience what a sleep dentist can do in Charlotte NC

If you or your loved ones happen to live in the vicinity of Charlotte NC, then you do not have to worry if you are typically afraid of the dentist. You can go to Ballantyne Center for Dentistry and get the best dental care available under the care of a twilight dentistry and sedation dentistry expert. So, if you are afraid of the dentist, get in touch with Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, Charlotte’s cosmetic dentists, today.

Have you avoided going to the dentist because you cannot stand the thought of the drills, the pain, and the embarrassment of having someone working inside your mouth?  Does the experience of going to the dentist cause you to feel a lot of stress and dread? 

With modern sedation dentistry, there is no longer any need for you to worry about going to the dentist.  Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda, Charlotte's trusted cosmetic dentists, offer the most advanced techniques in cosmetic dentistry while using oral sedation dentistry to make your dental visit as relaxing and stress free as possible.  In fact, most patients say that their visits to Ballantyne dental offices are more like a visit to the spa than going to the dentist.  Indeed, Dr. Yaste and Dr. Hufanda are two gentle dentists who are using twilight dentistry to raise the bar when it comes to being pain-free dentists.  Not only are they committed to providing the most up-to-date advancements in cosmetic dentistry but they are also committed to making your visit to the dentist as stress free and spa-like as possible. 

How does sedation dentistry work?

When it comes to sedation dentistry, you may have heard the term Sleep Dentist, but that is not entirely accurate.  Typically, with oral sedation dentistry, a patient will take a sedative pill to achieve a state of deep relaxation.  While many patients become so relaxed that they do fall asleep, this is not always the case.  Sedation dentistry does not require any kind of breathing apparatus so it is milder and safer than anesthesia.  For that reason, the conscious sedation dentistry performed by your Charlotte cosmetic dentists could more accurately be referred to as twilight dentistry rather than sleep dentistry.

One of the options for sedation is to take a pill that will bring you into a dream-like state that takes away any pain and stress that might normally be experienced.  Finally, there is an amnesia-like side effect to twilight dentistry, which causes most patients to remember very little from their visit. 

If you have been looking for a gentle dentist, or a pain-free dentist, then you need look no further than the Ballantyne Center for Dentistry. 

Skip the pain and stress and go to a sedation dentist

Residents of Charlotte, North Carolina and its surrounding areas can experience stress-free and pain-free dentistry as well as the most up-to-date advancements in modern cosmetic dentistry by visiting the Charlotte offices of the Ballantyne Center for Dentistry. To discover how you can get your dental procedures performed the easy way with a pain-free dentist, call Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda today in Charlotte.

If you mix an artist with a dentist in Charlotte then you have a cosmetic dentist.  Cosmetic dentistry is much more than general dentistry because cosmetic dentists take the beauty of your smile seriously, and they have highly specialized training with the most advanced technology to enhance and restore your beautiful smile.  Whether you are looking for whiter teeth or fixing cracks, chips or gaps, there are plenty of options with cosmetic dentistry to cater to your specific needs.  Finding a cosmetic dentist in Charlotte is especially easy with the internet.  Find out if cosmetic dentistry is perfect for your smile.

What do cosmetic dentists do?

Cosmetic dentists provide you with state-of-the art procedures to transform your smile into artistic perfection.  If your teeth are stained or discolored they can provide you with special teeth whitening procedures, or provide you with porcelain veneers.  Porcelain veneers are dental caps for your teeth that are stain resistant and can help restore your smile if you have gaps, chips or cracks.  Dental bonding, crowns and bridges can also fix cracks or chips, and even prevent future cracking or chipping.  Crowns, bridges and dentures are great ways to fix teeth badly damaged from decay, or even missing teeth.  Whatever your smile faux pas may be, cosmetic dentists provide you with the proper cosmetic dental care and treat your smile like a piece of art.

Cosmetic dentistry is great, but I still have dental phobias.

Visiting your cosmetic dentist should not be a fearful experience.  There are many cosmetic procedures that use laser dentistry to restore your smile.  This means no drills or no needles are required for your beautiful smile.  Instead of using friction like drills use, which actually cause most of the pain from the heat associated with the procedure, lasers use a high intensity light beam for precise and accurate removal of decay, and excess or swollen gum tissue.  Laser dentistry is safe and has been used in dentistry since 1990 so find out if your cosmetic dentist is certified to use laser dentistry as well.  Do not let drills or needles scare you away from the smile of your dreams.

Where can I find a cosmetic dentist in Charlotte?

The internet is a great tool to use to find a cosmetic dentist.  But what should you look for?  It is important to know that your general dentist has had the appropriate amount of continuing education within cosmetic dentistry as well, and most of the time you will find that they are members of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or some other Cosmetic Academy within the  dental industry.  More important is that your dentist have the eye for cosmetics and an artist's hand.  A very reputable source for information about cosmetic dentistry is www.mynewsmile.com.  This site is run by a retired cosmetic dentist and one of the founders of cosmetic dentistry. To be listed on his site you must pass a strict set of tests in order to be chosen as a referable dentist.  Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda are proud to be the only two dentists in Charlotte listed on this site, and have been there for several years.

Look for cosmetic dentists who can show you patients who have gone through procedures to improve their smile!  At Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, they have posted pictures and videos of satisfied patients in order for you to actually see what their work looks like and to hear from the people who have benefitted from cosmetic dentistry. 

If you are ready to schedule an appointment for cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte NC, then contact Ballantyne Center for Dentistry today.  Let Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda create an artistic masterpiece of your smile.  Both cosmetic dentists are members of the AACD and would be happy to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.

Until the recent introduction of laser dentistry by some Charlotte practices, most visits to a Charlotte dental clinic meant facing the dreaded drill. To be fair, the loud noise is probably much worse than any actual pain. Most reliable dentists use a local anesthetic to relieve patient discomfort.  However, the mental stress to the patient is still a problem. Sedation dentistry by Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, does help a lot of patients, especially in cases of reconstructive surgery that require extensive work.

What is laser dentistry?

When you speak of lasers, most people think of the bright LED beams used for teeth whitening or even laser eye surgery. However, some of the best dentists, Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda, in Charlotte NC are now using a completely different type of laser technology to replace the traditional dentist’s drill.

Laser dentistry uses a stream of water along with a laser, reducing heat levels to near zero. All the patient feels is the sensation of the water, since there is no harsh vibration as noticed in traditional drilling. The second big difference is in the noise levels; laser dentistry produces nothing more than a few gentle clicks. A trustworthy dentist with the right skills can use this technology for most common surgical procedures.

Who can benefit from laser dentistry?

Reliable dentists, Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda, use laser dentistry to remove damaged tooth material and clear away infected gum tissue. This has made it beneficial in most reconstructive dentistry procedures, where a tooth may be damaged. Typically, the best dentists can use the focused laser to do a much better job than with a drill. It allows them better control of both location and depth of drilling. Once the laser drilling is complete, reconstructive dentistry uses fillings or caps to complete the procedure and restore a normal smile.  

Restorative dentistry also benefits from laser drilling. This branch of dental care deals with diseases of the gum and tooth. The precise nature of laser surgery makes it ideal to clean out infected gum tissue or the nerve in root canal procedures.  A reliable dentist can use a laser to quickly empty and clean a cavity without disturbing the patient. Only a couple of the most trusted dentists in Charlotte, namely Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda, can offer this level of skill in both restorative dentistry and reconstructive dentistry.  

Is laser dentistry completely painless?

Most patients who compare it with personal experiences of traditional drilling seem to think so. Of course, any reliable dentist would expect some level of discomfort and warn the patient about it. If required, a local anesthetic could be administered. For really complicated restorative dentistry or reconstructive dentistry, the best dental practices also have sedation dentists, Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda, who are trained to use oral medication for a completely pain-free experience. 

If you are interested in the most up-to-date, advanced laser technology for dental procedures, visit our Charlotte cosmetic dentist office, Ballantyne Center for Dentistry and make an appointment.

NuCalm, the revolutionary new technology, has been proven to naturally put a patient at ease. Your Charlotte cosmetic dentists, Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, are thrilled to be able to offer this technology to our patients. Sedation dentistry is a field that expands every day, and this latest discovery may be the best of all in helping patient overcome their innate fear of the dentist.

This cosmetic dentistry technology is completely drug-free and has no recovery period or side effects. NuCalm puts you at ease quickly by replicating the natural process that readies your body for sleep. You know that quiet, relaxed state you feel just before you doze off? That is what you will experience with NuCalm, and you will awake feeling rejuvenated.

Nearly all patients who have experienced NuCalm say they would choose it again, and they would certainly recommend it to friends and family members. Not only will your fear of the dentist be gone, but you will actually think of it as a pleasurable and enjoyable experience. You will leave the office feeling refreshed and glad you showed up, rather than the typical pain and regret we feel after a normal excruciating dentist visit.

So, what is NuCalm?

Basically, it is a clinical solution which transforms a patient’s brain waves function into the initial sleep stage. The best part is that this is done in a revolutionary way, without the use of narcotics. NuCalm was developed by world-class neuroscientists, and has been utilized on tens of thousands of patients throughout the U.K. and U.S. Cosmetic dentists have seen unprecedented satisfaction rates, and this could virtually revolutionize the entire field of cosmetic dentistry.

How safe is NuCalm?

The short answer is that nothing could be safer than NuCalm. It is all-natural and uses no controlled substances of any kind. To date, sedation dentistry experts have used it on nearly 22,000 patients in the United States, without a single adverse reaction being reported. NuCalm merely imitates the pathways that our body uses to get ready for sleep.

How will I feel during the treatment?

Don’t misunderstand how NuCalm works; brain activity will not stop. A patient cycles through many thoughts, but will have trouble focusing on a single thought pattern, much like how you feel before drifting off the sleep. The body relaxes, limbs start to feel heavier, and you slowly lose all sense of space and time. 

What can I expect to feel right after the procedure?

You will feel great! It will feel like a “power nap” of sorts, with a renewed sense of euphoria and energy. Many patients who have chosen this option have reported afterwards that they felt as though they just had a deep tissue massage (without the pain of course).

So, if you’ve been putting off a procedure because you have a general fear of the dentist, sedation dentistry is here to help. Make an appointment today, and let Drs. Yaste and Hufanda, at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry in Charlotte show you how NuCalm can change your entire outlook on the dental experience.

NuCalm is the latest tool at the disposal of Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, your local Charlotte cosmetic dentists. You can begin your procedure feeling completely relaxed and without stress, and no controlled substances are necessary. What NuCalm does is bring your body to that euphoric stage just before you fall asleep. The best part is that you won’t fall asleep (unless you are sleep deprived already), and this feeling will last for the duration of your appointment. There is no reason to have a fear of the dentist anymore.

The NuCalm process

NuCalm has four individual components that work in conjunction with each other to put you into a state of calmness. It will be administered immediately after you are seated, and takes approximately three to five minutes to take effect.  

Your NuCalm sedation dentistry appointment begins with giving you chewable tablets that are scientifically designed to counteract adrenaline. It is a proprietary formula that only NuCalm possesses, and it creates natural relaxation.  Micro-current patches will be placed behind the ears to help you relax quicker.

Further dissipating your fear of the dentist, you will be fitted with noise-deadening headphones. They will deliver layers of proprietary soothing music that takes your brain to its pre-sleep state of 8Hz to 12Hz per second.

The last step in your cosmetic dentistry preparation will be a pair of blacked-out glasses. These are used to eliminate visual stimuli that may hinder the relaxation process.

These four components combined will provide an effective and powerful relaxation experience during any cosmetic dentistry procedure. The more anxious and stressed you are at the onset of your appointment, the more impressive the relaxation effect will be.

The NuCalm experience

We all know that feeling we get as we are slowly drifting off to sleep. Your mind wanders to things that occurred during the day, or to a list of things you have to do the following day. You slowly start to let yourself relax and feel gravity gradually drawing you into your pillow and bed. You might start having short daydreams, or perhaps experience body twitching, which is caused by a buildup of lactic acid. Your breathing becomes deep and you enter what is known as the Alpha sleep stage. 

Thanks to advances in sedation dentistry, NuCalm provides you with that exact same experience that was just described. You will still be in the chair, and the procedure will occur in the same manner as it always does, but you will be completely lost in relaxation and unaware of what is going on. Who would ever have thought deep relaxation would be possible outside of a spa? Well, thanks to NuCalm, you can leave your dental appointment feeling like you are walking out of a day-long spa treatment.

No longer having a fear of the dentist can completely alter how you approach your dental health. Think of all the appointments you intentionally missed because you were too afraid to go. Make a call to Ballantyne Center for Dentistry today, and let them show you what NuCalm can do for you. 

NuCalm^(tm) is a revolutionary technology proven to naturally relax the body without drugs. Charlotte cosmetic dentists, Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, have started offering this innovative holistic sedation option to their patients. 

Two pioneering neuroscientists developed NuCalm over an eight-year period. The solution is all natural, has no side effects, and there is no recovery time after using NuCalm. 

NuCalm mimics the body's natural experience of preparing for sleep. When it is time to sleep (rest and recover) your body shuts off adrenaline production and uses the GABA extracted from the foods you have eaten to naturally calm the body and prepare for sleep. 

NuCalm works on the GABAergic system to counteract adrenaline and begin the relaxation response. NuCalm gives you the feeling of a relaxed, power nap. You feel rejuvenated after your dental treatment. NuCalm uses a binaural beat; frequency-following-response neuroacoustic software embedded into classical music and listened to through noise-dampening headphones. The NuCalm neuroacoustic software paces the brain wave function to the first stage of sleep.

Here are some of the benefits of using NuCalm:

• *You will be in a state of deep relaxation for the entire procedure.
• *Your motor responses are dulled - minimizing risk to you and your dentist or hygienist during the procedure.
• *You are conscious and able to respond to voice commands during the  procedure
• *Your body is more receptive to dental treatments because your  natural resistance mechanisms are dulled.
• *After the dental treatment, you have a feeling of rejuvenation and  relief
• *NuCalm is less intrusive than sedation techniques - does not chemically compromise your central nervous system or cognitively impair your mind.
• *You won't need a driver to take you home after the procedure. There  are no side effects, no recovery time or supervision required, and no impairments. 
• *NuCalm promotes better dentistry because you are relaxed and still (reduced startle responses, salivary flow, and gag reflexes)
• *NuCalm is all-natural and does not use any narcotics or controlled substances. It has been used with over 21,000 patients throughout the United States with no reported adverse reactions.

NuCalm is not recommended for patients under the age of 12, pregnant or nursing mothers, or patients with pacemakers, ear implants or brain implants. If you are one of these type patients, you can still use the NuCalm's music, along with the noise dampening headphones and blackout glasses for relaxation during your dental procedure.

Your body posture relaxes, the muscles in your head, jaw and neck relax, and you feel as if you are in the beginning stages of sleep. NuCalms provides the equivalency of five hours of restful sleep, and recreates a neurological reboot in your brain, and creates a feeling similar to those who practice yoga or mindfulness. You will have a period of enhanced clarity, relaxation and creativity after your dental treatment.

Schedule your next appointment with your Charlotte cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christian Yaste and Dr. Joe Hufanda of Ballantyne Center for Dentistry, and ask for more information about NuCalm. Or call 704-540-2255. 

You may have skipped going to the dentist for regular checkups, and now your mouth is in bad shape. In fact, it’s in such bad shape that you’re afraid to go to the dentist!

Don’t worry; we have seen lots of bad teeth, here at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry and many mouths in terrible condition. It’s our job to know how to help you, and provide a solution for your teeth problems.  Probably half of our patients come to see us, for the first time because their teeth hurt and they need help. Whatever is wrong with your teeth and mouth, we can help you figure out a solution.

Dental Sedation:

Maybe you are afraid of the pain a dental visit may cause? Dental sedation has come a long way. We offer several solutions that will keep you relaxed and comfortable during your dental procedure. You may not even remember the procedure, and may even fall asleep, you will be so relaxed.

Dentures, Dental implants and More:

You may believe your teeth are in such bad condition, they would need to all come out, and full dentures put in. This is usually not the case, and is not the first option we choose.  Removing all your teeth can cause bone loss, and gradually decreases the distance between your nose and your chin, which ages you dramatically. Dental technology has so many options for you- partials, dental implants and more. Come visit us and learn how we can improve your smile and keep you from any more bone loss, due to missing or diseased teeth and gums.

Dental Veneers:

If your teeth structure and roots are solid, you also may be a candidate for dental veneers. Porcelain veneers and dental bonding can be done in one visit, and provide amazing results. You’re teeth aren’t too bad to fix, and your local cosmetic dentist will not be surprised at the condition of your teeth when you arrive for a long deserved visit. Trust your professional cosmetic dentist to x-ray and diagnose your mouth, and give you options. Come see Dr. Christian Yaste or Dr. Joe Hufanda, here at Ballantyne Center for Dentistry. Don't worry- we'll give you choices and help you with any mouth and teeth issues you have- see you soon. 704-540-2255.

Do you hate the dentist? I "feel" your pain…continued (part II)

I had just entered the emergency department at the dental school. Now that I had some time to absorb it all, it became evident to me that the front of my face was starting to hurt. One of my professors saw me and I lifted my hand from my mouth to expose the damage. Now this is where things really went south for me.

Her immediate reaction was one of mild disgust, if there is such a thing. Here I was, along with at least a dozen other people who had walked in for some dental problem or another. This was going to put a real wrench in her schedule. Someone took me back to a dental chair and she came in to examine me. No sooner had I opened up than a huge needled was jammed into the roof of my mouth and the worst, most painful dental shot I had ever had, was delivered. My eyes immediately teared up as a reaction to the pain. “Quit being such a baby”, she spouted. Over the next thirty minutes she poked and proded, and made a few phone calls to various clinics within the school to see if they could take me off of her already very busy hands. Finally, with a numb face and a piece of bloody gauze, I was escorted to the oral surgery clinic. The surgeons were a little less grumpy with me, but no more gentle. No one told me what they were doing or what to expect. Was I going to lose my front teeth? How would I be able to be a dentist with no teeth! After what seemed like hours I finally ended up in the root canal clinic. Here is where things changed.

A young dentist came over to me and put his hand on my shoulder. He sat down and asked me how I was feeling and what had happened. Then he told me what they were going to try to do to save my front teeth, or what was left of them. At last I felt like maybe there was some hope for me. Maybe I would be able to look normal again.

After that things kind of blur together and I don’t remember much of that day. I do remember however, thinking that I was going to have to quit dental school or find a better way to practice dentistry. Fortunately, I stayed in school and with the help of my friend Joe (and now my business partner) we founded a dental office in Charlotte, North Carolina that is specifically designed to help people who are dental phobics or have high dental fear.

Although that encounter happened almost 18 years ago, the memory is still fresh in my mind. I still get chills when I recall it. Maybe you have had a similar experience. We know how it “feels.”  Check out our sedation page and see how we can help you....click HERE

Do you hate the dentist? I "feel" your pain.

Lots of our patients are petrified of going to the dentist. I have heard so many things about my fellow colleagues from years ago….sometimes it just makes me cringe! Stuff like “my dentist didn’t believe in novacaine”. What! Since when was giving anesthetic a religion? I can't imagine why a dentist would purposely withhold something from a patient that would make them more comfortable.  Another thing I hear fairly often is a description of how a dentist held down my patient to get a tooth out or some such thing. Just visualizing this is painful.

I remember my first negative visit to the dentist. I was actually in dental school of all places. It was early on a crisp January morning and my buddy and I had ridden our mountain bikes to school. Although it was chilly, there was no snow and the roads were clear. We got all the way to the parking deck and then I hit it….Black Ice! Wham! Over the handlebars and onto concrete…face first. It was a surreal experience. All of the sudden I was on my knees, and I could feel that my front teeth were broken to bits. I was in shock and all I could think about was digging around to try and find my broken teeth. Finally realizing there was no way I was going to find the pieces of my teeth, I hobbled down to the emergency clinic…..what happened next, you wouldn’t believe.

Or….maybe you would.

To be continued….

Dr. Y