Dealing with Dental Anxiety

There are many causes, and different people feel anxious for different reasons. Naming the specific trigger lets us work around that one thing rather than the general fear.

• Fear of pain
• Feeling as if you are not in control, or helpless in the chair
• Embarrassment about the condition of your teeth
• Past experiences — your own, or those of family and friends
• Fear of needles, drills, or gagging
• Anticipating costly or extensive treatment

Ask about sedation before your appointment. The most common options are inhaled sedation (a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen) and oral sedation (medication taken by mouth); intravenous sedation is also available in some cases. Sedation leaves you relaxed and often drowsy, and it is safe when administered by a trained dentist — talk with us about the risks and any questions you have. Our anesthesia and sedation options page explains each one in detail.

Left unaddressed, dental anxiety leads to avoidance, and avoidance leads to bigger problems, longer appointments, and higher costs. Regular six-month checkups both catch problems early and make the office itself familiar — which is often the single biggest thing that lowers the fear.