Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is the anxiety, fear, or stress while visiting a dental office. When anxiety is acute and creates unreasonable fear and complete avoidance of going to the dentist, it could be dental phobia. Dental anxiety can be linked with specific triggers such as needles, drills, or the dental setting in general. 

Dental Anxiety Affects Oral Health

Regular dental checkups, X-rays, and cleanings can help prevent dental disease, which is very important for your overall general health. But avoiding dental treatments could spoil your oral health, leading to you needing more complex treatments and emergency care. 

At Alencar Family Dentistry, we can perform dental procedures for patients with dental anxiety. Our dentist, Dr. Jayme Alencar Oliveira, and our staff can ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed, irrespective of the dental procedure. We can discuss and plan your treatments to ease your anxiety while keeping your mouth healthy.

Managing Dental Anxiety

People cope with dental anxiety in many ways. Some of these coping techniques are:

• Deep breathing exercises  
• Meditation and music
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Hypnosis 

Sedation Dentistry 

Sedation dentistry can help a patient with dental anxiety be calm and relaxed while undergoing dental procedures. Here are some of the standard sedation techniques: 

• Oral Medication

A pill is usually taken an hour before the dental appointment. And you will need someone with you going to the dental office as you cannot safely drive back while being under the influence of the pill. 

• Nitrous Oxide

Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide can help people relax during dental procedures. A nose mask is attached to your face, and you inhale a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. You will be conscious but feel comfortable, able to talk with our dentist. It wears off quickly after the mask is removed and  you won’t remember everything. 

• Dental Laser

When you visit us at Alencar Family Dentistry, you can be assured that we use the latest technology to make your process more pleasant, like a dental laser. A dental laser can precisely target small spaces without irritating the surrounding tissue. With the dental laser, there is less bleeding and swelling, reducing your discomfort and recovery time. 

To learn more about sedation dentistry, new dental technology, or how to reduce your dental anxiety, call us at Alencar Family Dentistry Office: Phone No: (757) 546-0301 or Email us at [email protected]