5 Things to Look For in a Dentist If You Have Dental Anxiety

Dentist Blog

Dental anxiety affects many dental patients. In fact, many people avoid dental treatment because of anxiety and fear. This anxiety is usually connected to a traumatic event from a person's youth, such as a difficult dental appointment. And many patients fear that dentist might be hard on them if their teeth are in poor condition.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, then you need to research dentists before you settle on one. With a little research, you can find a dentist that understands and makes an effort to relieve dental anxiety.

1. Good patient reviews

Patient reviews are a good place to begin your research. Try to use several different sources, such as friends, family members, work colleagues and online reviews.

2. A calm and soothing environment

Call the dental offices on your list of potential candidates to visit for treatment. How do you speak to you? Are they patient or impatient? And even if you do feel comfortable with the person on the other end of the phone, you still want to make sure that the dental clinic is a calm and safe space.

Pay potential dental clinics a visit and see how their ambience affects you. If you smell essential oils, hear soft music and see calming pictures on the walls, you've found an anxiety-free dentist.

3. A dentist who understands

Try to talk to the dentist before your treatment. Some dentists understand dental anxiety well, and not only do they have a calming chairside manner, but they also use calming techniques like show-and-tell or breathing exercises to prepare their patients before treatment begins.  

4. Lasers rather than drills

If dental drills contribute to your dental anxiety, then look for a dentist that uses dental lasers rather than drills. Lasers can do the same job as drills without the unpleasant noises and sensations.

5. Sedation dentistry

Needles are a source of dental anxiety for many patients too. If this is the case for you, then you need a dentist that provides sedation dentistry. To avoid needles, choose a dentist that can provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or even oral sedatives to calm you down. With nitrous oxide, you will be semi-conscious, but calm.

If you need dental work but you struggle with dental anxiety, then take the time to look for a dentist that understands how you feel. With the right dentist, you can have your dental work done without the stress of dental anxiety and fear.  

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