Tips for Getting Rid of Dental Fears
Dental anxiety is a common feeling that plagues many individuals. For some, fear of dental treatment can instill a sense of panic during appointments, or even cause one to avoid scheduling dental care appointments altogether. Thankfully, there are ways patients can still receive the dental care they need while addressing their anxieties and calming their nerves.
Tips for managing dental fears include:
- Communicating your fears and anxieties with your dentist. Expressing your unpleasant feelings about dental treatment puts you and your dentist on the same page, and allows them to provide you with an approach to care that takes your stress into consideration.
- Choosing a qualified and compassionate dentist. Selecting an experienced and qualified dentist can increase feelings of trust and safety, so you feel more confident and secure undergoing your dental treatment. You can assess how they respond to your questions and concerns, as well as how they can approach your dental phobias.
- Bringing a friend or loved one for support. Having a friend or family member with you at your appointment can help you feel reassured and more at ease.
- Considering sedation dentistry options. Sedation dentistry can be a valuable option for those who suffer from dental fears and anxieties. Dentists who are trained in sedation techniques can help patients significantly reduce their stress and enjoy a more peaceful and pleasant office visit.
At The Art of Dentistry, cosmetic dentist Robin Rutherford, DDS understands how debilitating dental anxiety can be for patients. He prioritizes patient comfort and is able to utilize oral conscious sedation techniques for many individuals to help them feel more relaxed and comfortable during their appointments. Dr. Rutherford achieved fellowship with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, which less than 2% of sedation dentists have accomplished. This means he is highly qualified to administer oral conscious sedation dentistry and to mentor other professionals in this field.
The oral conscious sedation approach begins with patients taking a pill before their visit. This pill should produce a state of deep relaxation by the time the procedure begins, and patients may even fall into a light sleep. Vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the treatment, and patients should still be able to communicate with our dental team. The effects may take some time to wear off after the procedure, so patients are encouraged to arrange for someone to take them home.
Please contact our office today to learn more about sedation dentistry or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rutherford. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have about how we address dental fears and ways we can help you feel more comfortable and confident when visiting the dentist.