About Our Practice
Maxillofacial Oral Surgery Specialist
We are a Dental Oral Surgery Practice in Canonsburg, PA, just south of Pittsburgh, that is devoted to oral surgery needs, and enhancing the natural beauty of smiles using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles for our patients! The practice is run by Dr. Mohammed A.R. Khan, one of the area’s best maxillofacial specialists.
Dr. Khan believes in providing personalized dental care with the latest technology, and considers the patient’s overall health and budget when helping them to make the best treatment choices possible.
Our practice staff is highly trained, professional and extremely caring. We are committed to continuing education. Our entire professional team is dedicated to providing your patients with first class, personalized care to make their visits as comfortable as possible. We specialize in dental implants and complicated extractions, but also treat emergencies, wisdom teeth, TMJ and offer IV sedation.
Dental Anxiety
Between 9% to 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to anxiety or fear.
So, if you’re worried about anxiety or fear, you’re not alone. There are many reasons why some people have dental phobia and anxiety. Some common reasons include:
- fear of pain: fear of pain is a common reason for avoiding the dentist, and even more so when it comes to oral surgery
- fear of injections: many people are terrified of needles, especially when they are in and around their mouth
- fear of anesthesia: some people fear or do not like the numbness and side effects associated with anesthetics
- fear of loss of control: it is common for people to feel helpless as they sit in the dental chair with their mouth open
At Three Rivers, we are committed to helping you overcome your anxieties and providing the most comfortable experience possible. The staff will do whatever they can to reduce stress, anxiety, fear and provide painless, quick treatments. This includes facilities such as:
- warm blankets to help you relax
- personalized music playing through the procedure
- DentalVibe certified dentist for pain-free injections*
Please remember that we cannot accommodate for issues we are not aware of. So please talk to Dr. Khan and his team, and let them know your fears and anxieties. Proper communication is the key to a great experience at any medical facility.
Relax, DENTAL SHOTS are now PAIN-FREE!
See How!
Here are some tips to help reduce dental fear and anxiety:
Talk to the dentist.
The dentist is not a mind reader. Though it can be hard to talk about irrational fears with a stranger, the dentist can take extra precautions during visits if fears and anxiety are communicated.
Choose your favorite music.
Music acts as a relaxant and drowns out any fear-producing noises. Listening to calming music throughout the appointment will help to reduce anxiety.
Agree on a signal.
Many people are afraid that the dentist will not know they are in significant pain during the appointment, and will continue the procedure regardless. The best way to solve this problem is to agree on a “stop” hand signal with the dentist. Both parties can easily understand signals like raising the hand or tapping on the chair.
Spray the throat.
Throat sprays (for example, Vicks® Chloraseptic® Throat Spray) can control the gag reflex. Two or three sprays will usually keep the reflex under control for about an hour.
Ask for a mirror.
Not being able to see what is happening can increase anxiety and make the imagination run wild. Watching the procedure can help keep reality at the forefront of the mind.
Sedation.
If there is no other way to cope, sedation offers an excellent option for many people. There are several types of sedation, but the general premise behind them is the same: the patient regains their faculties after treatment is complete.
Ask about alternatives.
Advances in technology mean that dental microsurgery is now an option. Lasers can be used to prepare teeth for fillings, whiten teeth and remove staining. Discuss all the options with the dentist and decide on one that is effective and produces minimal anxiety.
If you have questions or concerns about how the dentist can help you overcome anxiety and fear, please contact the office.
