Is Dental Anxiety Common? 5 Ways We Can Help You Reduce Dental Anxiety

If you’re nervous about seeing the dentist, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is actually extremely common. Depending on the study you look at, somewhere between 20% and 60% of people in the U.S. have at least some level of anxiety about seeing the dentist.

Whether you’re nervous about an upcoming six-month checkup, or you need a treatment like a filling or a root canal, we get it. And at Healthy Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Ridhi Doshi-Shah (Dr. Doshi) and our team are here to help. We have years of experience working with patients who have dental anxiety. Read on and learn more about how we can help you get the dental care you need in a comfortable, safe environment.
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1. Judgment-Free Dental Care

First of all, our office is a judgment-free zone. Dental anxiety can be caused by worrying about how someone will perceive your mouth, especially if you have serious oral health issues. At Healthy Smiles Dentistry, we’re not at all interested in judging you for your oral health. Our only mission is to help you take control of your oral health, restore your smile, and put you on a path toward a lifetime of healthy smiles.
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2. Working To Address Dental Anxiety “Triggers”

Everyone is different. Maybe you don’t like needles, or you hate the sound of dental drills. Maybe the bright lights of the dental chair make you feel uncomfortable. Whatever it may be, you can discuss your triggers with Dr. Doshi and our team, and take steps to address them.

For example, if you don’t like the sound of the dental drill, you can wear earplugs, or you could put on headphones and listen to your favorite music or podcast. We’re always willing to accommodate your needs and help you overcome the triggers that cause your dental anxiety.
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3. Putting You In Control Of Your Treatment

Loss of control is another common trigger of dental anxiety. Many people don’t like feeling helpless in the dentist’s chair. We can help with this, too! You can communicate with us during your appointment, and Dr. Doshi can ask for your permission to proceed with certain parts of your treatment, like numbing your mouth, removing decay from a tooth, and so on.
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4. Our Comfortable, Welcoming Environment

Some people simply get nervous when they enter a dental office or operating room. But at Healthy Smiles Dentistry, we’ve done our best to create a comfortable, welcoming environment. You’ll be greeted by our friendly staff when you enter, and you can relax in our comfortable waiting room, too.

In each patient operating room, we also offer TVs on the ceiling, neck pillows, warm blankets, massaging dental chairs, and more. You can relax, distract yourself, and feel more comfortable during your treatment.
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5. Dental Sedation

Along with all of the other steps listed above, we offer sedation dentistry options like nitrous oxide and oral conscious (pill-based) sedation. Sedation can help you feel much more comfortable and relaxed as you get the care you need. Depending on the type of sedation you choose, you may even fall asleep or forget most of your procedure. To learn more, just ask about your sedation options at Healthy Smiles Dentistry!
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Do You Have Dental Anxiety? Get The Care You Need At Our Office!

At Healthy Smiles Dentistry, we’re proud to offer dental care to patients who may have dental anxiety. If you’d like to learn more about our approach to treating anxious patients, don’t wait! Schedule your first consultation by giving us a call at (703) 915-7330, or feel free to contact us online if you have any other questions about Dr. Doshi’s approach to treating patients with dental anxiety.