Dental Anxiety and Fear
It’s recommended by the American Dental Association that patients of all ages visit the dentist at least two times a year. Just the thought of the dentist overwhelms individuals with anxiety. This alone can keep people from going to the dentist. Many individuals had bad experiences at the dentist office when they were younger. Often times, many people who fear the dentist have never actually been to one. Luckily, at Petri Dental, our staff is highly trained in various relaxation and calming techniques.
We want to change the narrative that the dentist office is a scary place. Dr. Petri has designed her office around the idea of relaxation. This, combined with our friendly staff, and calming techniques, you truly don’t have anything to worry about.
Dental technology has significantly changed in recent years. Many of our tools are quiet or silent. While this may seem like a small aspect, we understand sound can trigger anxiety. With various anesthetics, procedures are less painful and more comfortable. Many of our treatments are completely pain-free.
Common anxieties associated with the dentist include:
- Self-conscious of teeth
- Gagging or choking
- Injections or loud tools
- Not having control during the appointment
- Failed Novocain injections
- Pain
- Afraid of the dentist specifically
How can one overcome dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is a major issue in the U.S. Reports show nearly 35 million people don’t go to the dentist because of fear. Routine visits to the dentist are important for your oral and overall health. A dentist is able to detect and treat issues you can’t address from home. Their expertise alone is paramount. At regular checkups, we not only inspect your teeth, but also look for larger issues such as oral cancer. Many individuals don’t realize just how important dentist visits are.
The following can help alleviate anxiety about the dentist:
Talk to the dentist – Dr. Petri and her staff are here to help. We encourage open and honest communication. If you have any fears about the dentist, let us know. Chances are we’ve dealt with similar anxieties with other patients.
Bring a portable music player – We encourage you to bring headphones and listen to music during your appointment. This will put less focus and pressure on the appointment. Music alone can be a great calming technique.
Agree on a signal – It’s difficult to communicate with your dentist while they’re working on your mouth. Talk to us beforehand and we’ll establish a signal you can use if you are in too much pain, need to take a break, or are becoming anxious. Remember, we’re here to help and want you to have a pleasant experience.
Petri Dental is working hard to change the way people think about the dentist. Our goal is to make even our most anxious patients look forward to their visit. With a comfortable atmosphere, clear and open communication, calming techniques, and a friendly staff, we absolutely think this is possible.
If you would like to know more about our calming techniques or are finally ready to conquer your fear of the dentist, call us today at (714) 881-5500. Dr. Petri and her staff are here to help every step of the way.