"I was so afraid of the pain of fixing my teeth, and of all the long visits that it would have taken to fix them, that I was willing to lose them and have dentures," said one patient.

"At some point in my life I developed a tremendous fear of going to the dentist," said another. "I didn't want my teeth touched--my heart raced at the thought of it."

"For 20 years I didn't go to the dentist," echoes another. "I ended up with a mouth full of cavities and swollen gums. Eating, talking and of course, smiling, were difficult. My pain, embarrassment and discouragement affected me both at home and at work."

These people are not alone. In fact, according to the latest statistics, nearly one-third of all Americans choose to risk their health rather than visit a dentist.

When people don't go to the dentist, they chance more than a bad smile. Taking care of teeth and gums is extremely important for everybody's overall health. But being afraid is understandable, especially if they have had a bad or painful experience That's why sedation dentistry is such an exciting powerful tool.