I'm Terrified of Going to the Dentist: Can You Help?

Avoiding the dentist may seem better than dealing with your fear, but doing so can lead to irreversible damage to your teeth and gums. Here’s how your dentist can relieve dental anxiety so you get the care you need.

Dental anxiety or phobia is common and can keep you from receiving the dental care necessary to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Avoiding the dentist may be tempting — but it can lead to irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.

We know dealing with your dental anxiety can be difficult. Keep reading for tips from our experienced team of dentists at TLN Family Dental on overcoming your fear of visiting our office.

Entering our judgment-free dental office

One of the biggest reasons many people fear the dentist is being afraid that the dentist will judge them for their poor oral health. Dentists are here to help you restore your teeth and improve your oral health so that you can be happy with your smile.

If you have dental anxiety, it is important to communicate that with your dentist so they can better work with you. Dental anxiety is something the compassionate team at TLN Family Dental deal with every day, and the team has tools to help make the experience better for you.

Remember, dentists are not here to judge you but to provide quality care and help you.

Coping with dentist visits

Different coping methods can help make dental visits easier and lessen dental anxiety. Communicating your concerns with your dentist before your visit can give the dentist the information they need to help make your visit as relaxed as possible.

Take some headphones and something to listen to music with to your dentist appointment. The music, podcast, or audio book can help occupy your mind to reduce anxiety about the dental procedure.

Prior to starting your dental work, set up a signal with your dentist to implement when you are overwhelmed and need a break.

If you have severe dental phobia, consider talking to your dentist about sedation dentistry options.

Getting through visits easier with sedation dentistry

When you have a severe dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the best option for receiving proper dental care.

Sedation dentistry comes in three types: mild, moderate, and deep sedation. Mild sedation helps you feel relaxed and calm and is typically administered via nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen, commonly known as laughing gas.

Moderate sedation is a deeper form of sedation, and while you will still be conscious, you will have little to no memory of the procedure. The dentist will normally administer this via IV or over-the-counter medication.

The final dose level is deep sedation when you undergo IV sedation and are unconscious for the procedure. You will not remember it, and we will take good care of you.

If you have dental anxiety or a phobia, contact us today or schedule an appointment online at your nearest location of TLN Family Dental in Pearland or Houston, Texas.