Does going to your dental appointments cause butterflies in your stomach and your heart to race? Perhaps even just thinking about the appointment causes the same reaction? Dental anxiety is very real and you’re not alone. In fact, fear causes many people to avoid the dentist to the detriment of not only their oral health, but also their systemic health and well-being. Oral health is linked more often with your overall health and it’s important not to ignore your biannual cleanings, checkups, and necessary treatment. Dr. J. Robert Donnelly, a sedation dentist in San Marcos, TX has a solution for you!

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Dr. Donnelly is excited to announce that San Marcos Gentle Dental recently joined the Wimberley Chamber of Commerce!  The office has truly enjoyed the opportunity to meet more of our Hill Country neighbors in Wimberley.  We are all looking forward to participating more in your beautiful community and providing you with exemplary dental care.   Everyone at San Marcos Gentle Dental is always happy to meet new patients and welcome referrals to our office.  It is the highest compliment to us when you believe in our services enough to recommend your friends and family for their dental needs. 

If your anxious about your dental appointments you’re not alone.  According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 25 million Americans do not visit their dentist simply because they’re afraid.  Studies also have shown women are more likely than men to experience dental anxiety.  We want to help you to feel comfortable in the dental chair.  There are a few things you can do to reduce stress.  Schedule an appointment for a time you’re more likely to be relaxed.  For example, first thing in the morning might be better than in the middle of a busy day.  Eat high protein foods before your appointment to help calm you down.  Don’t have caffeine or sugar right before your appointment, as they increase your heart rate.  Bring something that will be soothing for you or your child, such as an iPod to listen to music or a stuffed animal for a child. 

We want to create an atmosphere of trust, so please don’t hesitate to tell us what makes you nervous.  Understanding the source of your anxiety may make it easier to find a solution to help you relax.  Dr. Donnelly also offers sedation dentistry and nitrous oxide which can help even the most apprehensive patient relax through their appointment with ease.  Modern dental techniques have come a long way to help ensure you’re comfortable and that procedures are relatively pain-free.  We offer refreshments, blankets, and headphone music to enjoy for all our patients.

Call San Marcos Gentle Dental today to schedule your appointment by calling (512)396-5225.  Voted Best Dentist in Hays County 2012! Se Habla Español.

Universally, a smile can be interpreted and recognized by every culture on the face of the earth. Smiling demonstrates a positive influence on both our professional and personal relationships – and some researchers strongly believe that it also affects our physical and mental health in a positive manner. In a recent poll, nearly 90% of adults agreed that an attractive smile is an important asset in both social and professional settings. Yet, regardless of public opinion and widespread agreement of the power and importance of a smile, many people are insecure with their own.

With both traditional and emerging dental techniques, cosmetic dentistry can completely correct or significantly diminish ones negative perception of their smile through a comprehensive approach known as Smile Design. Smile Design requires more than a patient specifically requesting a popular procedure or even generally saying “Make my smile beautiful.” Like any worthwhile undertaking, it entails forethought and planning. Successful planning begins with an extensive discussion between patient and dentist with the end results in mind. Stretching the imagination and picturing the ideal results can be fun – dreaming is always at the heart of any great planning process, even the creation of a brilliant new smile!

When it comes to putting your smile plans into action, you may be surprised at the wide array of cosmetic techniques now at the dentist’s disposal – most which have been in development for decades! Some techniques, such as whitening, bonding, veneering, or enamel shaping, will change the appearance and shape of the patient’s natural teeth. Other techniques, like crowns, bridgework, and implants will provide permanent artificial replacements for missing or abnormal teeth that cannot be corrected with the previously mentioned procedures. Regardless of the techniques involved, the outcome should be the same: The smile you once beheld has been transformed! More importantly, not only has confidence in your smile enhanced, but your dental health has been simultaneously restored! You will be a healthier you and that is definitely something to smile about!

If cosmetic dentistry has been something you have been dreaming of – why not make that dream a reality? Call Dr. Donnelly today and we would love to schedule you an appointment, 512-396-5225. Voted Best Dentist in Hays County for 2012!

It’s so nice to relax in the summer.  That’s what summer vacations are all about.  But there are some things we shouldn’t let go when warm weather comes, especially good dental care habits.  Remember summer is a great time to ensure your kids are up to date on their dental cleanings and exams while they are out of school.  It is also a great time to plan any dental treatment you know you need in order to maximize your benefits and not risk waiting and needing more extensive treatment.

Maintaining healthy teeth and gums isn’t just about fresh breath or a sparkly smile.  It’s important to your overall health.  Why?  Because gum disease, or periodontal disease can erode the foundation of your mouth, and could pose a threat to your body.  If you have gum disease that means that bacteria  is traveling from your mouth to all parts of your body and has been linked to stroke, heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes and pregnancy complications.  Gum disease is very common, with close to 80 percent of U.S. adults currently having some form of the disease.  Other research indicates it is the leading cause of adult tooth loss if left untreated.

There are many other health benefits that people don’t associate with their dental cleanings.  At each visit your dental hygienist will check your blood pressure, perform an oral cancer screening and provide you with valuable information specific to your health history.  Prevention is always cheaper than having to restore a tooth due to lack of proper dental care.

Dr. Donnelly’s goal is to provide all of his patients with a healthy smile they can be proud of showing off! Don’t forget to call and schedule your cleaning appointments and we hope everyone has time this summer to relax and enjoy time with family and friends.  Call Dr. Donnelly’s office in San Marcos at (512)396-5225. VOTED BEST DENTIST IN HAYS COUNTY 2012!!