The reason people are afraid of going to the dentist is different from person to person. Dental anxiety can be triggered by many things. Some people suffer from a lifetime of fear because of a bad childhood experience going to the dentist.
Others may suffer from a general fear of doctors, pain, needles, and the typical sounds and smell of a dentist office. The longer you wait to face your fear, the worse your dental health will get. Avoiding the dentist due to your dental anxiety can lead to many dental concerns including:
- Tooth decay
- Plaque build-up
- Periodontal disease
- Early tooth loss
- Damaged teeth
- Yellow or stained teeth
- Serious issue including heart disease and diabetes from bad oral hygiene
Dental anxiety is the reason many people skip their regular dental visits every year. This is a known cause of poor oral health for many patients. What many people do not realize is visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be painful or stressful.
Charleston dentists Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn offer compassionate oral health care to help patients restore a healthy, functional smile and enjoy the lasting benefits of optimal dental health. We welcome patients who feel embarrassed by the condition of their smile, or who have avoided the dentist for many years out of fear. We will work with you on an individual basis to help you feel calm, relaxed, and confident when receiving the dental care you need or desire.
Solutions for Dental Anxiety in Charleston
West Ashley Family Dentistry offers dental sedation, making it easy to be completely relaxed while in the dentist chair. We offer “laughing gas”, which can enable you to be alert and responsive while feeling no pain throughout your procedure. It is easily administered through the nose and does not require the use of a needle.
This gas is also completely odorless so it is easily handled by the patients. Laughing gas has the added benefit of immediately taking effect and wearing off, making it possible for you to drive yourself to and from your appointment. It is utilized often for patients suffering from dental anxiety and is completely safe.
Sedation dentistry can enable you to get back a smile that supports your best quality of life and gives you the confidence to share it with others. Neglecting your dental health can lead to complex problems, including tooth loss, that can affect your ability to speak and eat normally. If you have anxiety or fear when it comes to visiting the dentist office, come in for a visit with Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn and experience the benefits of personalized, compassionate care.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of our new and existing patients’ frequently asked questions about dental anxiety.
Is it normal to feel embarrassed about dental anxiety?
It’s common to feel embarrassed, but remember that dental professionals regularly encounter anxious patients. They are there to help and can provide strategies to make your visit more comfortable.
What’s the most painful dental procedure?
Pain perception varies among patients. However, many people feel root canals or tooth extractions to be the most uncomfortable. Wisdom tooth extractions, especially when the teeth are impacted, can cause significant discomfort. However, advances in anesthesia and pain management have made these procedures much more tolerable. Our priority is always to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible during any dental treatment.
Do dentists judge you for having cavities?
We absolutely don’t judge patients for having cavities. Everyone’s mouth is different, and cavities can happen even with good care. We’re here to help, not criticize. Your dental health is our priority, and we want you to feel comfortable coming in for treatment. We would rather see you in our chair than avoid us out of embarrassment.
How common is dentist anxiety?
Dental anxiety is quite common today. It affects many people of all ages. Furthermore, we estimated that up to 20% of the population experiences some level of fear when visiting the dentist. This anxiety can range from mild unease to severe phobia, but our staff is trained to help patients feel more comfortable.
Can I ask for laughing gas at the dentist?
You can ask for laughing gas (nitrous oxide) during your visit. It’s a safe and effective sedative that helps you relax during dental procedures. Let us know about your anxiety or discomfort, and we can discuss whether laughing gas is a suitable option for you.
What’s the most painful dental procedure?
In our experience, most dental procedures aren’t as painful as people think, thanks to modern anesthetics. Root canals and wisdom teeth extractions typically get mentioned as painful, but that’s mostly an outdated myth. The real pain usually comes from waiting too long to treat a problem. Every patient’s pain tolerance differs, but we ensure you’re comfortable during any procedure. We also have various sedation options available if you’re concerned about pain.
Schedule An Appointment
If you would like to learn more about how our patient-focused practice and sedation dentistry can help you restore your smile, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. We welcome new patients from many local Charleston area communities to our family-friendly dentist office. To make an appointment at West Ashley Family Dentistry, contact us at (843) 371-5480 or request an appointment online.