Dental Anxiety
Did you know that over 80% of Americans suffer from some level of dental anxiety? And that leads an estimated 9% to 20% of Americans to avoid seeing the dentist altogether (WebMD). Unlike less serious phobias that are annoying, but may not need addressing, preventative dental care is too vital to your overall health to avoid.
There are many reasons for a patient to experience anxiety at the thought of visiting the dentist including:
Fear of Pain
For many, there’s an assumption that dental care is inherently painful. Between shots, drilling, and soreness, the potential of pain would cause anyone to be fearful! Fear of needles and shots actually ranked 6th in a recent poll of Americans’ fears.
Loss of control & fear of the unknown
Sitting back in a dental chair makes some people nervous and claustrophobic. It’s understandably uncomfortable to have someone’s hands and loud tools in your mouth. Drilling and suctioning are rarely enjoyable experiences. Or, you may have trouble getting comfortable because you’re not sure what to expect and that lack of control can be unnerving.
Embarrassment about your dental health
Even if your teeth appear to be in good health, you may be worried about “getting in trouble” for taking too long to make an appointment, or not flossing every day. For those with more serious dental issues, especially aesthetic ones such as missing or damaged teeth, the potential for embarrassment is even higher.
A Previous Bad Experience
Unfortunately, some dentists don’t take the time and effort to provide a welcoming, calming, and comfortable experience for patients. Perhaps you were afraid of the dentist as a child, and these feelings stayed with you when you got older. Dentists may also assume that everyone has a similar pain threshold, or were dismissive about your anxiety. It could also stem from being pressured into an unnecessary or overpriced treatment you didn’t want or need.
So what can we do to help you manage your dental anxiety?
MAKE SURE WE’RE the Right Dentist FOR YOU
The right dentist can make all the difference. You should feel comfortable, cared-for, and confident in your treatment plan. We know that going to the dentist can be stressful, and we want to make your visit as pleasant as possible. Our office offers amenities like cozy blankets and headphones for music, movies, or TV to help you relax. We give detailed explanations of exactly what’s happening during your treatment, and provide you with a range of options to fit your comfort level and budget. We also offer:
A friendly, caring, and knowledgeable staff
Great reviews from current patients
Straightforward answers to all your questions
A relaxing and comfortable office atmosphere
The latest in personalized dental care and treatments
Open and Honest Communication
Don’t keep your fears bottled up — be sure to let your dentist and dental team know that you feel nervous. It’s a common occurrence, and they will have plenty of experience dealing with anxious or fearful patients. Before you even schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our practice and talk to the dentist on the phone, engage in an email exchange, or have a quick informal chat outlining your concerns.
During your appointment, be sure to voice any concerns, questions, or discomfort. Your dental team is there to help. Want to know more about a specific instrument or treatment? Ask us how the tools are going to be used, what they sound like and what they feel like. Before they begin, ask your dentist to explain the procedure, what sensations and sounds you should expect, and how long each part of the procedure will last.
If you begin to feel anxious and need a break before continuing treatment? Let your dentist know, or use the signal you established before. We will will happily accommodate your requests, and ensure you’re comfortable the entire time.
USE OF Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe; the patient receives 50-70 percent oxygen with no less than 30 percent nitrous oxide. It is a sweet smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which is inhaled. The patient is able to breathe on his or her own and remain in control of all bodily functions.
The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.
There are many advantages to using nitrous oxide:
The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
There is no after effect, such as a 'hangover'.
Inhalation sedation is safe, with no side effects on your heart or lungs.
Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
It works rapidly, reaching the brain within 20 seconds. In as few as two to three minutes, its relaxation and pain-killing properties develop.
Though there are no major issues associated with the use of nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, chest problems, multiple sclerosis, a cold, or other difficulties with breathing. You may want to ask the dentist for a five-minute trial to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.
We are happy to work with patients that have dental anxiety. At Smile New Braunfels, you can contact us at any time to schedule a consultation and discuss your concerns about dental treatment. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible so we can take care of your oral health!