Does the thought of going to the dentist make your teeth chatter?
Do you dread upcoming appointments, 
or avoid going at all unless you’re in serious pain?
If your dental fear is getting in the way of you going to the dentist, there are a few things you can do.
- Talk to one of our dentists about your fears. Sometimes the greatest fear is that of the unknown, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and get a better understanding of any procedures or treatments you may need. By letting our dentist know how you’re feeling, you give him or her the opportunity to put your mind at ease.
- Realize that your experience at the dentist’s office is probably drastically different from what you experienced as a child. Many adults are afraid of going to the dentist because they have bad memories of painful procedures or intimidating dentists. Modern dentistry has transformed many procedures; root canals, for example, are much less painful and traumatic today than they were years ago.
- Select a dentist who best suits your needs and makes you feel comfortable. As with any other doctor you see, you’ll want to develop a good relationship with your dentist. Feel free to ask about scheduling an introductory appointment so you can tour our office and get to know the dentist ahead of time.
- Consider your options for sedation. Many patients are candidates for sedation, which means you can use
nitrous oxide to help you stay calm throughout your procedure or medication via an IV so that you can sleep through your appointment. And if you are feeling anxious prior to your appointment, your dentist can prescribe something to help you relax.
Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a scary ordeal. By taking the time to choose the right dentist and making yourself as comfortable as possible, you can face your fears and get the dental care you need.
