Dental Anxiety: An Overview
If going to the dentist gives you immense anxiety, we are here to help you. Columbia Family Dentist provides compassionate and understanding care to patients who have a fear of the dentist or other dental concerns.
A variety of concerns can cause dental anxiety, including fear of judgment on the current condition of your smile or due to a previous bad experience in the dental chair. Our team works with you to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed throughout all of our procedures.
We believe a well-informed patient is key to alleviating dental anxiety, so we make sure that you understand what we are doing and why throughout your entire appointment.
Dental Anxiety Treatment In Columbia, MD
It’s essential to visit the dentist’s office at least twice a year to prevent minor dental concerns from becoming major dental issues. Our teeth, gums, and jaw are major players in our overall health and well-being. Even the most thorough oral hygiene patient requires regular check-ups with a dental professional.
Unfortunately, patients with dental anxiety are more likely to skip out on their preventative dental appointments. Additionally, these patients are also more likely to avoid seeking care when faced with a potential dental emergency. Fortunately, our team provides sedation dentistry options for our most anxious patients.
Sedation dentistry comes in many forms, from the use of “laughing gas” to oral medication that can be taken before a dental appointment. Our team is happy to provide you with a sedative if you are in need of one. Local anesthetics are also available for most of our procedures that could cause you any discomfort.
Fear of the dentist is a valid concern, especially for patients with previous bad experiences. Our goal is to show you that you have nothing to worry about when visiting Columbia Family Dentist. Our team goes above and beyond so you can achieve the healthy smile that you’ve always wanted and deserved.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
What are some symptoms of dental anxiety?
Some symptoms of dental anxiety are sweating, low blood pressure, racing heartbeat, and fainting. Many patients experience this when thinking about an upcoming dental appointment, the morning before an appointment, or when at a dental appointment.
How common is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is very common. It is estimated that over a quarter of the population suffers from dental anxiety. That means that 1 in 4 patients your dentist sees struggles with dental anxiety or dentophobia. Dentophobia, or a fear of the dentist connected to past dental trauma, is known to affect approximately 3.7% of the population, more commonly females than males.
What can the dentist give for anxiety?
A dentist may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs. Patients take them an hour prior to a dental visit for extreme dental anxiety. Dentists may also discuss sedation for treatments or procedures that may cause a patient anxiety or discomfort.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
As a top-rated dentist in Columba, Maryland, Columbia Family Dentist is happy to meet with you for any and all of your dental concerns. If you have a fear of the dentist, you can rest assured that our office will provide you with compassionate care. Schedule an appointment today or call our office at 410-670-8211 with any questions, comments, or concerns.