Managing Dental Anxiety in Inglewood, CA

Dental anxiety or Dentophobia is the fear or stress associated with visiting the dentist for preventative care and dental procedures. Dental anxiety is very common and describes feelings of fear, unease, or stress before or during a dental appointment.

What is Dental Anxiety?

Signs and symptoms of dental anxiety include sweating, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, visible signs of distress or panic, and withdrawal. Read more on How to Overcome Dental Anxiety click here.

There are many factors that can cause this anxiety. There may be parts of the dental setting that can trigger it, such as a fear of needles. Additionally, the feeling of not having control during a dental appointment can also make patients feel uneasy.

If you have been avoiding a dental visit, you may feel self-conscious about your oral health and may be worried that your dentist will judge you. New Image Dental created an environment where We Cater to Cowards.

As a dentist near Los Angeles, we see many patients with dental fear and have several options for people with dental anxiety including Sleep Dentistry.

How Common is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety affects everyone differently and can sometimes cause people to postpone or skip their dental visits. Even so, most patients still see their dentist despite the anxiety and stress. The dental team from New Image Dental in Inglewood will make sure both your dental and emotional health are being taken care of.

The longer you delay going to the dentist, the more you risk developing further dental problems.

If you are feeling nervous or anxious, you may feel better getting your concerns off your chest. The New Image Dental team will know how to better help you if they know your concerns and needs.

How do I Tell my Dentist I have Dental Anxiety?

When you arrive for your appointment, tell the dental team that you are nervous. Share any bad experiences you may have had in the past and ask for suggestions on coping strategies. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Knowing what the dentist will do may help alleviate any fears of the unknown. Additionally, you and the dentist can agree on a signal for when you may need to take a break during the exam. This can be as simple as raising your hand during the exam.

If your fear of pain is what is stopping you from visiting your dentist, talk with your dentist about your pain tolerance so that your dentist knows how to best communicate with you and make you comfortable.

Other ways to manage dental anxiety include deep breathing, meditation, and distraction. Some patients find it beneficial to bring a stress ball with them to their appointment.

Can I be Put to Sleep for Dental Work in Inglewood, CA

Severe dental anxiety may require medical management with sedation dentistry in Inglewood, CA also known as pain-free dentistry.

The first type of sedation is laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, which will keep you relaxed but still awake. This sedation method wears off quickly and will allow you to still listen and respond to the dentist.

The next type of sedation is called intravenous sedation. This will make you drift off into a light sleep, but you will still be able to respond to verbal prompts. This option may leave you slightly nauseous or drowsy after the procedure.

The final option is general anesthesia which will require you to be fully asleep. This will involve a pre-operative and post-operative appointment. If your dental treatment requires multiple visits, this may not be the best option for avoiding dental anxiety.

Read more about the side effects of sedation dentistry here.

How Common is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety is common among many dental patients and there are a variety of methods to face and overcome the anxiety. The most important thing you can do if you are nervous about your next dental visit is to be open and honest about how you feel. The dental team not only cares about your dental health but your overall well-being.

See the before and after photos from New Image Dental a dentist office near Los Angeles. More testimonials about our dental office are here. Also, take a look at the before and photos of patients from our dental office in Los Angeles here.