Solutions for Overcoming Dental Fear
Dental Anxiety and Phobia Solutions at DC Pearls Dental Boutique.
Dental Anxiety is Not Uncommon
An estimated 35 million Americans experience significant apprehension about dental procedures, while an additional 10 to 12 million are considered to be “dental phobic” and avoid needed dental care altogether. Nitrous oxide is a general anesthetic used at subanesthetic concentrations to reduce anxiety during dental procedures (Janiszewski et al, 2002).
Dental Anxiety vs. Dental Phobia
Dental anxieties and phobias present themselves in a wide variety of ways, and specific fears vary from person to person. Dental anxiety may be mild to moderate, and often takes the form of a general sense of worry and apprehension when thinking about an upcoming procedure. Dental phobia is a more intense experience, with patients feeling an overwhelming, irrational fear of dental work. This can sometimes cause them to avoid care all together.
If you are one of the million Americans who suffer from anxiety when you go to the dentist, nitrous oxide sedation in our Washington DC location might be a blessing. Sedation in dentistry is becoming an immensely popular way to put dental patients at ease because of its low cost and safety. In fact, nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry since the 19th century, there are many evidence-based researches on safety and usability of nitrous oxide for dental patients.
If you don’t know a lot about Nitrous oxide sedation or if you want to know if it’s right for you, contact us, we can cover the details of this type of sedation with you. We have helped many anxious patients before, and it is our goal to make our office your dental home.
We Can Help!
Whatever your individual level of anxiety may be, our office is committed to making sure that your visit is as comfortable, quick and easy as possible. There are many solutions for dental anxiety, and we are ready to help.
Here are a few popular methods for easing anxiety in the dental office:
- Communication:
Informing us as to what you are afraid of is a great place to start. Often we can quell a fear simply by giving you correct or updated information. We will always keep you informed before, during and after your procedure, making sure that you understand what is going on and why we are doing it. - Calming Techniques:
Many patients find it helpful to practice controlled breathing or to find distraction inside the room. - Listening to Music:
With most procedures, the use of personal headphones and music is allowed. This is a great way to keep calm and pass the time while in the chair. - Oral Sedation:
Depending on the nature of your procedure, various types of sedation may be available to you including use of Nitrous oxide or oral sedation. - Taking Breaks:
Let us know if you would like to take a short break during your treatment by signaling with your left hand.
Oral health is important for the health of your whole body. Don’t let fear stand in your way of good dental care! We can help you get the care that you need. Call Today to Make an Appointment. DC Pearls Dental Boutique Phone Number 202-750-8718