Why Do I Have Dental Anxiety?
June 17, 2023 8:08 amPatients may experience dental anxiety due to a variety of reasons, such as:
- Worry about experiencing pain
- Trauma from past negative dental experiences
- Fear of not being in control
- Discomfort with having your personal space invaded
- Distress about talking to the dental hygienist and dentist
- Embarrassment about your teeth and/or breath
- Stress about paying for treatment
How Do I Manage Dental Anxiety?
Sometimes dental anxiety is so severe it prevents patients from keeping up with regular cleanings or even getting emergency treatment. At Alma Dental Care, we strive to help make each patient as comfortable as possible so they can get the treatment they need. That means taking your dental anxiety seriously and not being judgmental. Please let us know if you have fears about visiting the dentist and receiving treatment so we can be extra careful, gentle, and communicative. You can also manage your dental anxiety by bringing headphones to your appointment, wearing comfortable clothing, avoiding caffeine before your visit, and doing deep breathing exercises.
Relax Your Mind & Body with Dental Sedation
Do you wish your dental appointment could feel like it just flies by? It can with dental sedation! Nitrous oxide is a great choice for mild to moderate dental anxiety, while oral conscious sedation is beneficial for more severe anxiety or long dental procedures. Patients can drive themselves home after receiving nitrous oxide sedation, but you shouldn’t drive for 24 hours after receiving oral conscious sedation.
We’ll always check your medical history before recommending sedation so we’re sure it’s safe for you.
Gentle Dentistry at Alma Dental Care in Petaluma, CA
We understand that visiting the dentist can be a very stressful experience for many patients. Our friendly team has sought to make our office a welcoming and non-judgmental space. If you have questions about our comprehensive services or are ready to to book an appointment with Dr. Serrano, please contact us today!
Categorised in: Dental Anxiety
