February 16th, 2010
After decades of treating Chesapeake-area patients, Dr. Simmons has learned a lot about people and their feelings about dentists and dentistry. Unfortunately, many people have had 
negative experiences at a dental visit in the past, and the result is often that they avoid making appointments when they desperately need care, sometimes for years at a time. If you’ve been putting off a trip to the dentist, Dr. Simmons wants you to consider sedation dentistry, a wonderful way to regain oral health without fear. Wondering just who benefits from sedation dentistry? Read below to see if one of the following situations applies to you:
- Anxiety, stress, or fear associated with dental visits
- A sensitive gag reflex
- Extra-sensitive teeth
- Physical discomfort when sitting in the dental chair
- Inability to become numb with traditional, local anesthetic.
- The need to complete extensive dental work in as few visits as possible. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: chesapeake sedation dentist, chesapeake sedation dentistry, dental anxiety, Dental fear, dental phobia, Dr. Robert Simmons, IV sedation, oral conscious sedation, oral sedation dentist chesapeake, sleep dentistry, the comfort dentist
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January 15th, 2010
Here on the blog, we’ve been discussing the ways that Dr. Simmons removes the confusion and anxiety that can sometimes accompany dental 
examinations and diagnoses. Today we’ll take a look at the process that occurs after Dr. Simmons has assessed your mouth and talked with you about the condition of your teeth and gums.
You should know…
1. Restoring your health is our number one priority. When you come to us for basic treatment or with a dental issue, we won’t urge procedures you don’t need for fundamental health (like cosmetic dentistry) or insist that you complete all facets of your treatment plan immediately. Dr. Simmons will outline your most basic needs and solve those problems with you first.
2. Treatment often occurs in phases. One size does not fit all! Since Dr. Simmons customizes and prioritizes your treatment, together you can devise a plan that allows you to fit dental care into your lifestyle and budget. You may decide to spread treatment out among a matter of weeks or even months, depending on your situation and Dr. Simmons’ recommendation.
3. You can afford dental health. Whether you’re covered by insurance, use a credit card, or you pay through CareCredit’s patient financing service, dental care is within your reach. At Dr. Simmons’ practice, our true desire is ensuring you obtain the dentistry you need, and our financial options were designed with that in mind. Our front office staff will gladly discuss the choices if you need any help.
4. Maintenance is the key. After you complete treatments and are enjoying restored oral health, remember that the next step is to continue good dental hygiene at home and keep regular appointments with Dr. Simmons. We’ll advise you about the best ways to brush and floss, as well as any other maintenance your dental work might require.
Now that you know the facts about the consultation, diagnosis and treatment process, call our Chesapeake dental practice to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Simmons. With his compassionate approach and technical skill, he’ll gently advise and guide even the most fearful patients back to a healthy smile.
Tags: Chesapeake dentist, chesapeake sedation dentistry, Co-treatment, dental anxiety, Dental fear, Dr. Robert Simmons, the comfort dentist
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December 16th, 2009
Dental procedures can appear intimidating. The names are often complicated, the explanations even more so, and then there’s the obstacle that the dentist is usually the only one who sees 
first hand what’s going on in your mouth. Because he’s focused on education and making patients feel at ease in the dental chair, Dr. Simmons takes time to explain any preventive, restorative, or cosmetic procedures in an accessible and informative manner.
Intraoral Cameras
To better help you understand the issues Dr. Simmons finds in your mouth, our practice is equipped with intraoral cameras. With this advanced imaging technology, patients can see inside their mouths with the same clarity as the dentist does. Images from the camera show up on a TV screen for easy viewing. Then, instead of just describing any problems, Dr. Simmons can point them out on the full-color screen, so whether it’s early signs of gum disease or a cavity, you can see exactly what he’s talking about.
CAESY Patient Education
The CAESY interactive DVD presentations dispel any presumptions that patients will not be able to fully understand dental issues and treatment processes. Providing comprehensive video, animation, and 3-D graphics with easy-to-understand accompanying narration, CAESY helps patients clearly visualize dental concepts and procedures.
Co-Diagnosis
Dr. Simmons empathizes with his patients’ struggle to make the best healthcare decisions, which is why he is so passionate about spending the time to make sure they understand the options available. Demystifying the dental health process is the goal, and he values each patient’s input in diagnosis and treatment planning. Our entire staff works to ensure that the process is approached as a partnership. We’re here to guide you, not push you!
No matter how long it’s been since your last dental visit, we invite you to visit us at our Chesapeake office. Dr. Robert Simmons approaches each patient with care and concern—and with the tools and techniques at our advanced dental practice, you won’t feel overwhelmed with treatment complexities. Just empowered to make the best decisions with Dr. Simmons for your unique situation.
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November 13th, 2009
Avoiding dental care is not uncommon. Unfortunately, fear keeps a large segment of people from visiting a dentist. Fear may be based on worry that the dentist or hygienist may judge you for 
neglecting your mouth, the procedure may be painful, or you might be overwhelmed with dental problems and fees you can’t afford. Dr. Simmons understands your difficulty and sympathizes with your struggle to restore and maintain good health. He believes that, although fear can be a stumbling block to achieving dental care, it doesn’t have to stop you.
A Caring Environment
Dr. Simmons and our entire staff are passionate about people. Our philosophy is, the best way to treat patients is by building strong relationships with each one. Once you feel respected and accepted, we can work together to address your needs. When Dr. Simmons looks at a patient, he doesn’t just see a set of teeth, he sees a person with a unique situation.
Planning for Your Budget
You may not expect a dentist to be concerned with your budget, but Dr. Simmons knows that for most people, a list of expensive procedures isn’t feasible. After careful evaluation and extended consultation, he’ll differentiate between what’s preferable and what’s necessary. You might even schedule dental work in phases, starting with the most vital treatment now and moving on as finances permit. Our office also works with CareCredit, a financing service that offers flexible payment plans, so patients can access the care they need. Learn more by visiting CareCredit’s website.
Sedation Dentistry
To provide especially anxious patients a comfortable and soothing experience, we offer sedation dentistry. An effective way to manage dental phobia, sedation can also be appropriate for patients who have sensitive gag reflexes, dread needles, or need extensive work done in one appointment.
If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, don’t worry, we’re not here to judge or criticize. We’re here to get you back on track to a healthy mouth. Call today to schedule a visit with Dr. Robert Simmons at our Chesapeake office. You’ll be glad you did.
Tags: chesapeake sedation dentist, dental anxiety, Dr. Robert Simmons, IV sedation, oral sedation, sleep dentistry
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October 16th, 2009
Getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult for anyone. For someone with sleep apnea, though, it can be nearly impossible. Have you ever:
- Been told that you snore loudly?
- Had a bed partner notice you stop breathing for a matter of seconds or minutes at a time while asleep?
- Experienced excessive tiredness during the day, even when you devoted plenty of time to sleep the night before?
You may suffer from sleep apnea, a common disorder that results in poor sleep quality. If you have sleep apnea, a pause in your breathing occurs multiple times during sleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This means that during sleep, your tongue or soft-tissues block your airway. When that happens, your brain tells your body to wake up and breathe. Some people fully awaken, while others just enter a lighter sleeping state. Most people don’t remember the episodes the next day.
Dr. Simmons recognizes the dangers of undiagnosed sleep apnea. At his Chesapeake practice, he evaluates and treats patients who may suffer from this disorder.
Diagnosis of sleep apnea:
Dr. Simmons uses home study methods to monitor and screen OSA, like the Embletta Level III Home Testing Device. This test serves as a screening device and later as a means to monitor your therapy. The Embletta device is the leading choice for home study diagnosis of sleep breathing disorders.
Treatment for sleep apnea:
Dr. Simmons recommends an effective form of treatment called an oral appliance, which is a custom-fitted mouthpiece. This appliance will adjust your jaw and tongue to allow your airways to stay open while you sleep. Dr. Simmons will fit you with the most appropriate mouthpiece for your needs. We only recommend high-quality, FDA-approved oral appliances for our sleep apnea patients.
Risks of sleep apnea:
Since sleep apnea leads to oxygen and sleep deprivation, the risks can be life threatening. Our bodies need rest and plenty of oxygen in order to function properly. Without enough oxygen, serious problems can occur, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and learning or memory problems. Some of the problems caused by sleep deprivation include poor emotional or mental health, a compromised immune system, and irritability. The complications of sleep deprivation can apply to a spouse or bed partner as well, since the snoring often caused by sleep apnea can be disruptive to their sleep habits also.
As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Simmons is well qualified to treat your sleep apnea. With his advanced training, he has the knowledge and expertise to prescribe oral sleep appliances with confidence. Call today for your evaluation.
Tags: chesapeake sedation dentist, Dr. Robert Simmons, Oral appliance, Sleep apnea, Snoring, the comfort dentist
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