Many patients avoid visiting the dentist out of fear. Patients may think that they will feel extreme pain or discomfort at the dentist. Others may fear needles, loud noises, or the dental office setting. Our dental office helps patients feel relaxed when they visit. Dr. Elizabeth Duling is a caring dentist who treats patients with dental anxiety in Owens Cross Roads, AL.
Dr. Duling and her staff will cater to your needs to make your experience at our Owens Cross Roads, AL, dentist office as stress-free as possible. In addition to the other dental concerns we treat, we help our patients lessen their dental anxiety and fear of the dentist.
Avoiding the Dentist Because of Dental Anxiety in Owens Cross Roads, AL
If you avoid the dentist because of fear or anxiety, you can neglect your dental health. The longer you wait, the worse your dental problems will get. Even if you brush and floss daily, plaque will form in your mouth where these tools cannot reach. Eventually, plaque will harden into a substance called tartar.
Tooth cavities will form that will damage and weaken your teeth. Gum disease can easily develop when bacteria hide along the gum line. If you go a long time without dental care, you risk tooth and bone loss.
While you may fear pain from dental treatment, you are more likely to feel pain as your dental problems worsen. If you let gum and tooth decay worsen, you can experience chronic pain. You will be more sensitive to treatment once you develop these problems.
The good news is that our dental office is here to ensure you feel comfortable during treatment. We can numb your mouth and use sedation so you will not be aware of your procedure.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
The most essential thing we want our patients to understand is that they are not alone. Many people suffer from fear and anxiety about visiting the dentist. The reasons are different for everyone. For some, their parents never got into the habit of taking them, so they fear the unknown. Other reasons include:
- Traumatic past experiences at the dentist
- Fear of perceived pain
- Feeling helpless or having no control
- Embarrassed by the condition of teeth and gums
- Having a sensitive gag reflex
- Fear of shots
- A dislike of dental drills
Our dental office is a judgment-free space. We know many patients have anxietyou’reounding dental visits. Ifhaven’t embarrassed because you haven’t been to the we’rest in years, remember that we’re here to help. We aim to ensure your comfort at routine visits and are here to help improve your dental health. Our office can help makeover your smile for better function and aesthetics.
Helping Patients with Dental Anxiety in Owens Cross Roads, AL
Dental fear and anxiety are common problems that make dental care difficult for patients of all ages. Our dental office provides multiple methods to help patients with a fear of the dentist:
Patient Education
We find that patient education and openness with our patients is the best way to help them get through their appointments. Our dental staff will take the time to explain each treatment fully. If you understand what will happen during the visit, you will have time to prepare yourself fully. There will be no surprises in our office.
Communication
We encourage clear communication between patient and dentist. That way, we can meet your specific needs while we provide your custom dental treatment. Ask us if you need accommodations during your visit, including sedation, pauses during treatment, or earphones to drown out noises. We will be glad to accommodate you.
Sedation Dentistry
Our state-of-the-art dentist office has two types of sedation dentistry options: oral and nitrous. Oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill before the appointment. It will keep you completely relaxed and calm during the appointment while remaining conscious. Most people do not remember the”appointment.
“itrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a gas you breathe with oxygen through a mask. Dentists have safely used this sedation for many years to help anxious patients get through their dental appointments. You will remain awake during the appointment but in a complete state of relaxation.
Under sedation, you will not feel any pain. Sedation is also completely safe. We can reverse the effects of sedation if needed.
How Can I Prepare for my Dentist Appointment?
If you suffer from dental anxiety, there are several things you can do as well to help get through the appointment. First, we suggest being completely honest and upfront with us. We can better serve you and your needs if we fully understand what you are feeling and going through.
Other tips we suggest include:
- Try some relaxation methods before your appointment (stretching, deep breathing)
- Be on time for your appointment, but not too early, so you do not have to wait a long time
- Bring earphones or noise-cancelling headphones if you are sensitive to noise
- If you can, bring someone along who can help keep you calm
- Bring distractions or comfort items if you need to, such as music, movies, blankets, etc.
- Do not be afraid to ask questions
Contact us before your next appointment so we can help accommodate you. You can also meet us and tour our office before your dental visit. You will meet our dentists and see the exam rooms during this tour. We will also explain how routine visits work and what to expect during examinations and cleaning.
We will help you find a balance between preparing for your dental visit while not getting overwhelmed about dental care. Our office wants to help you
Schedule a Pain-Free Dental Appointment
Do you avoid dWe’re visits because of dental fear or anxiety? We can help you receive the care you need without stress. Contact our office for comfortable dental care today at 256.202.4186. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Duling online.
Feel free to ask us any questions you have about your care. We’re here to help you feel relaxed in our dental office.