We get it: The dentist’s chair is no one’s favorite place. However, some of our patients are more than just a little annoyed at having to visit the dentist.
Dental anxiety is a huge problem for many people that can stem from both perceived and lived experiences. Some of our patients have undergone painful or traumatic dental procedures, some have mental and emotional roadblocks that keep them away, and others have sensory issues that make even brief cleanings a nightmare.
Unfortunately, dental anxiety can become so overwhelming that it prevents you from getting the oral care you need, which opens the door to serious problems.
One of Lifetime Dental Care’s missions is to help anxious patients conquer their dental anxiety, starting with this blog.
Here, our dentists highlight a few encouraging facts about what seems like an impossible-to-overcome problem.
Have you ever felt like you’re the only person afraid of the dentist? The opposite is true.
Over one-third of people in the United States have dental anxiety, and 12% have extreme fear. That means there’s likely someone in your circle (or even your own family) who shares your anxieties about the dentist.
Consider reaching out to support groups or those you know who also struggle with dental anxiety to learn about different coping mechanisms.
We know that even our most confident patients don’t walk into the office without a bit of hesitation. Fortunately, our dentists are as compassionate and gentle as they are highly trained and experienced.
We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, comfortable environment and maintaining an open line of communication with our clients. We often pause dental appointments to give our sensitive clients a short break and modify procedures to keep them comfortable.
Talk to us about your main concerns before we begin, and we’ll do everything possible to address them.
Wish you could have your teeth cared for without going through the procedure? Sedation dentistry makes it possible.
Our dentists are proud to offer sedation dentistry to our patients who struggle with dental anxiety linked to any of the following:
Depending on the type of procedure you’re getting, your level of anxiety, and your age and medical history, we can recommend either nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or general anesthesia.
Dental anxiety can be crippling, but there are steps you can take to manage it. Many of our patients have successfully overcome (or at least reduced) their dental anxiety with the following strategies:
You may even benefit from talking to a mental health professional about your fears.
We strongly encourage you to be open and honest with our team about your anxieties. Your dentist will walk you through every step of the process, answer your questions, and discuss ways to help you stay calm and comfortable.
It’s time to get back in the dentist's chair, and we can help. Call our office at 703-499-9779, or use our online booking tool to speak with one of our experts today about how you can overcome your dental anxiety.