Dental phobia affects millions of Americans, preventing them from receiving the dental care that they need. Even when patients know they have a dental problem, they avoid the dentist due to dental anxiety. A fear of the dentist is often the result of previous bad experiences in the dentist’s chair or a fear of needles. At Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry, we help patients with dental anxiety in Baltimore, MD, get the necessary care.
Dental anxiety is one of the dental concerns among patients. We understand patients may fear pain, loud noises, dental tools, or the treatments themselves.
Dental Anxiety? We Are Here to Help Put Your Fears to Rest
Failing to visit the dentist regularly will result in many dental problems, including tooth loss. These dental problems will progress and get worse over time. The dental procedures will be more invasive and cost more money to treat. We encourage our patients to discuss this with us so that we can help avoid this situation.
Treating Dental Anxiety in Baltimore, MD
Visiting the dentist in Baltimore doesn’t have to be painful or stressful. Dr. Lazer and Doroshenko offer options to help you feel calm during treatment. We aim to create a comfortable and relaxing environment in our Baltimore dentist’s office.
Our staff spends time with each patient to educate them on their condition and treatment options. We understand many patients’ fears and take a comprehensive approach to help them overcome their dental anxiety.
Sedation dentistry is another option for fearful or anxious patients. Dental sedation and local anesthetic can ensure that patients do not feel any pain during treatment. Types of sedation, including “twilight sedation,” make it so that patients are not aware of their treatment. Patients will not hear loud dental tools or feel anxiety about treatment under sedation.
Patient Education
Dental anxiety is common, affecting up to 36% of the population of the United States. If you suffer from dental anxiety, know that you are not alone! Our dentist deals with this frequently and has options to make your visit more comfortable.
We recognize the importance of patient education and believe patients should be active participants in their oral health. Our team listens to your goals and concerns and then carefully designs treatment plans to give you the smile you want. We explain treatment options and the procedure details to provide you with knowledge and control over your treatment.
Don’t let dental anxiety threaten both oral health and overall health. Come in for a visit with Dr. Lazer or Dr. Doroshenko and discuss your personal concerns and dental fears before treatment. Our dental care team will ensure that you can relax and feel confident in your dental care.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
Learn more about treating anxiety at the dentist with our answers to these patient questions:
How can I calm my anxiety before going to the dentist?
If you are feeling anxious before a dental appointment, remember that dental anxiety is common. We encourage you to communicate your feelings with our dentist. Patients may focus on breathing or listen to music throughout their appointment to help calm their anxiety.
What causes dental anxiety?
The most common cause of dental anxiety is a past traumatic experience. Other causes may be a past trauma to a patient’s head or neck. General stress and anxiety may worsen around dental visits, so our staff will make sure that you have complete pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions. Knowing exactly what to expect before, during, and after your procedure helps relieve some stress.
How do dentists deal with anxiety?
Dentists recommend bringing a friend with you to your visit to help lessen anxiety. They also try to talk throughout the appointment to ease their patient’s anxiety. Misunderstanding dental procedures can increase your fear of dentistry. Dr. Lazer and his staff take the time to explain each step of dental treatment to anxious patients. That way, patients know exactly what to expect when they visit.
Understanding the procedure and outcome can give patients the confidence to relax during their visit with Dr. Lazer. Once patients feel they are a part of the process, regular visits can become a lifelong habit.
Can the dentist give you something for anxiety?
Dentists can give medication for anxiety. They may prescribe diazepam for patients to take an hour before their appointment. Another option is oral conscious sedation, commonly known as laughing gas. Dental sedation helps calm patients’ nerves to make their experience as comfortable as possible. Learn more about sedation dentistry.
Should I tell my dentist that I have anxiety?
Yes, being open and honest with our dentist about any anxiety you may be feeling will go a long way! If you are looking for a dentist near you who deals with dental anxiety, make sure to ask our dentist about their experience. Our dentist will discuss how they treat patients with dental fear and anxiety.
Our team will make your experience as pleasant as possible when you visit our office. If you communicate with us, we can take steps to ensure that your visit is a comfortable experience.
How can I make my dentist visit less painful?
Communicating with us is the best way to make dentist visits more comfortable and pain-free! We can take extra preventive measures to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free for any procedures. Our office often uses local anesthetic so you will not feel pain during dental treatments.
If you have dental anxiety, you can also bring a family member to wait before your visit. We also recommend taking ibuprofen to reduce pain before your visit and listening to music throughout to calm your nerves. Bringing objects that calm you during your procedure will make the dentist more enjoyable.
Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation Today
If you suffer from dental anxiety in Owings Mills and Baltimore, MD, visit Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry today. Schedule an appointment, and mention your fear of the dentist. We will be here to help you through your visit. Call (410) 697-6290 or request a consultation online. If you need any accommodations, don’t hesitate to contact us before your next dental visit.