What if I’m Anxious at the Dentist?

Here’s what you should know about this type of anxiety and how our team can assist you during your appointments.

Dental Anxiety: What Is It?

There are a variety of reasons behind why individuals develop dental anxiety. Some recall a bad appointment they had in their childhood. Others simply fear pain or judgment. Whatever the cause is, it can feel like it’s here to stay. The first step to overcoming it is to identify where it comes from.

You might be someone who struggles with dental anxiety if you:

• Have trouble sleeping the night before your appointment
• Feel increasingly nervous or on edge when in the waiting room
• Cry or feel sick when you think about visiting the dentist
• Experience uneasiness when tools or objects are placed in your mouth during an oral examination
• Put off dental treatment even though you need a procedure done

While dental anxiety is not as intense as a dental phobia, it can still interfere with regular teeth cleanings and much needed treatment. Our dentists have met many patients over the years who have abandoned their six-month checkups and run into issues that only worsen over time. 

We don’t want your oral health to be left in the backseat so if sedation can help, perhaps it’s worth a try.

Why Offering Sedation Is Important

The deep rooted fear attached to the dentist can be hard to let go of for many patients. We fully understand and thus, act accordingly. Primarily, we have laughing gas available upon request if individuals feel as though they need a little extra help making it through their stay at our Cadillac, MI, dental office. 

This dental sedation option serves to level you out and take away any “edge” you may be experiencing. Laughing gas is administered via a mask worn over the nose and wears off relatively quickly after it’s removed so you don’t need to worry about arranging a ride home after your appointment.

If you’ve never dealt with laughing gas before, you’re in good hands. Our staff and dentists are happy to walk you through the process and if it’s not for you, we can potentially explore other options. Above all else, we want you to feel taken care of and relaxed while you’re with us. Our hope is that with enough time, patients will associate feeling at ease with being at our office.

Make an Appointment

Receiving dental care does not have to be scary. In fact, with sedation dentistry from our dentists in Cadillac, MI, procedures can turn into calming experiences that are completed easily. Call LifeSmiles Dentistry today at (231) 775-8281 to request an appointment and ask about how we can help you with your dental related anxiety.