Whether you only have a minor case of dental anxiety, or even the thought of going to the dentist makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s important to take steps to overcome your fear. The team at OG Dental wants our patients to enjoy every visit, so we want to share a few strategies you can use to deal with dental anxiety and get the care you need for optimal oral health:
If you’ve had bad experiences with dentists in the past, this can make your anxiety worse. Finding a dentist who is caring and caters to patients with dental anxiety, such as Dr. O’Grady, will make your dental visits much less intimidating.
At our office near Sunnyside and Highland, we’ll listen to your fears and concerns, and help identify triggers that heighten your anxiety. For example, if you’re afraid of the sound of dental drills, we will make sure to give you sound-canceling headphones during your appointment. If you feel vulnerable due to not being able to see what is happening during your procedure, Dr. O’Grady will explain every step of your treatment and walk you through what he’s doing, and he will ask for your approval whenever he is beginning the next step.
Having someone you love and care about with you during your appointment can make things much easier and less scary. At OG Dental, we allow relatives, friends and loved ones to sit in on most dental procedures, so that you have the comfort of a familiar face and your loved one can encourage you throughout the process. When you’re scheduling your appointment, just let us know if you’re bringing anyone else along!
Sedation dentistry can be a powerful way to address anxiety. Laughing gas is ideal for minor cases of anxiety, as it reduces feelings of discomfort without many side effects, and you can drive yourself home after treatment.
For more serious cases of anxiety, we can provide you with an oral sedative pill, which will help you relax during your appointment. You may even fall asleep or forget the entire process, but the side effects last longer, and you’ll need someone else to drive you home.
If you have severe dental anxiety, it may be a good idea to consult with a professional therapist to learn more about where this fear comes from and to undergo cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you address the issue, and minimize its impact on your life.
At OG Dental, we know that going to the dentist is not always pleasant, especially if you have dental anxiety. That’s why Dr. O’Grady takes the time to get to know each of his patients and help those who may be fearful during their appointment. Contact us at (720) 551-6580, or come to our office in Denver at 4402 Umatilla Street, Denver, CO 80211 for more information.
