Posted by Colorado Wellness Dentistry on Feb 18 2023, 10:21 PM
Dental fear is a common condition that affects people of all ages. Dental anxiety can keep patients from visiting the dentist regularly, and this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious dental problems. If you are someone with dental anxiety, here are a few tips that can help you.
Speak up about your fears
Don’t let fear get in the way of your dental health. If you experience any level of dental anxiety, talk to your dentist about it before your appointment. Your dentist can offer several options to help you relax during your appointments and relieve you of discomfort and anxiety.
Be honest with your dentist about your dental fears. They can help you overcome them by explaining how they can help you feel more at ease in the chair. If you’ve experienced pain in the past, for example, they may offer local anesthesia to numb the area. Talk with them about your concerns and how they’d address them so you feel prepared when you arrive for your appointment.
Agree on a signal
If your dentist offers you a signal to let her know if you need a break or to stop the procedure, be sure to agree on a signal beforehand. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re in pain and can’t signal to her that you need a break. Be sure you both agree to a simple gesture like raising your hand in the air.
Take a trusted person with you
Some people are so fearful of the dentist that they avoid going altogether. Their fear is so great that it almost paralyzes them, and they can’t bring themselves to go. This not only leads to significant oral health problems but can also cause great mental anguish as well. If you’re one of these people, it may help to bring along a friend or family member who is supportive. This person can give you moral support and help you stay calm.
Your friend can sit in the waiting room or accompany you to the treatment room. They can listen to how the procedure is going and encourage you to stay relaxed. They’ll also tend to your practical needs, like holding your hand if you’re nervous, handing you water, etc.
Taking someone you trust with you can make your appointment easier and help you feel calmer and less anxious. If you struggle with anxiety at appointments, let our team know in advance so we can help make your visit as stress-free as possible.
Bring distractions
While in the dental chair, it may help to bring a distraction to keep you calm and “occupied.” Some people bring headphones and listen to music or podcasts. Others bring a handheld gaming system to keep their mind occupied. Whatever you choose as a distraction, be sure to bring it with you!
Consider sedation dentistry
If fear of the dentist is keeping you from receiving the treatment you need, you might be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. We offer sedation dentistry to patients who need it. Sedation dentistry makes receiving dental care more comfortable and relaxing for patients by reducing nervousness and anxiety surrounding dental procedures.
With sedation dentistry, patients can start to feel calmer and relaxed from the moment they sit in the dentist’s chair. Anesthesia is used during procedures to ensure patients are comfortable and pain-free throughout their care. Patients won’t feel any discomfort or pain when under anesthesia but can still respond to doctors and communicate with others throughout the procedure.
For patients with low to moderate anxiety, nitrous oxide can be used to help patients stay calm and at ease during treatment. Nitrous oxide is an inhaled sedative that is mixed with oxygen and administered through a mask that fits over the nose. This gas helps our patients relax while allowing us to complete their treatment. After the procedure is finished, the gas wears off quickly with no side effects.
Patients with moderate to severe dental fears can benefit from oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation is a safe and effective way for patients who have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time to receive dental treatments. Patients take a pill about an hour before their procedure to help them relax. It is also possible that we can provide a light pain medication by mouth prior to the procedure to ease the nerves.
While under oral conscious sedation, patients will feel completely relaxed and comfortable. They will still be awake and able to respond to questions and commands from the doctor. Patients are also likely to feel drowsy after the procedure is complete, so they will want to have someone drive them home after their visit.
For any queries, call Colorado Wellness Dentistry at (303) 798-1068 or visit us at 9085 E Mineral Cir #220, Centennial, CO 80112.
MON - TUE 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
WED 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
THU 7:00 am - 4:00 am
FRI - SUN Closed
Colorado Wellness Dentistry is at the forefront of dental treatment for our patients, who are focused on whole body health. Our office understands that oral healthcare is the gateway to the rest of a person’s wellness. We care for our patients as a whole person. Dr. Williams uses modern courses of treatment including LANAP for gum disease and periodontal problems, Bioclear for cosmetic and alternative treatment to crowns, Mercury removal for overall health and wellness for metal sensitive patients, and whole family dental care. When you find a home at Colorado Wellness Dentistry you feel in control of your treatment and oral health.
Patients seeking gum disease treatment can now turn to the new, minimally invasive LANAP® (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure). By using this new laser technology, a dentist for gum disease can remove diseased tissue without using a scalpel. The LANAP® gum disease treatment works by inserting a small fiber between the tooth and the gum and sending a pulsed laser light to remove all bacteria and infected tissue from the area. The laser is then used again to stimulate the bone and tissue in a way that encourages regrowth. By removing only the infected tissue, LANAP® gum disease treatment reduces bleeding and minimizes recovery time.
Do you experience sore or bleeding gums when brushing or flossing your teeth? Do you have severe pain when chewing food? These symptoms can be the warning signs of gum disease - gingivitis or periodontitis. It is important to address these conditions at the earliest stages to prevent future complications.
Bioclear is the latest and most innovative technique of dental restoration. It is a procedure that has evolved from the traditional use of amalgam fillings to contemporary composite restorations. It helps the dentist to give superior all-around treatment to traditional fillings.
Dr. Mitchell J. Williams and Dr. Steven C. Olsen, located in Centennial, CO, serving patients from Greenwood Village, CO, Highlands Ranch, CO, and Aurora, CO. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our office and encourage you to schedule your appointment today!
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