It is very common to experience dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, especially when considering a new dental practice. However, we want to encourage our patients to take a leap of faith and schedule a dental appointment with us. Dr. Khanna leads a compassionate, patient-focused dental care team committed to providing you with a positive dental care experience.
We will do everything we can to keep you calm, comfortable, and informed every step of the way. If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, learn more about how we can help you overcome this issue below.
Treating Patients With Dental Anxiety in Bethesda, MD
If you’ve been putting off scheduling a dental appointment, it’s important to understand that your dental health relies on you receiving professional dental care. Even patients with thorough oral hygiene routines should see a dentist regularly. This is because many dental concerns do not present with noticeable symptoms.
Dental professionals like Dr. Khanna have extensive training to notice minor issues before they develop into major concerns. By seeing a dentist once every six months, you can save yourself the time and money it would take to restore your smile if your dental health is neglected over time.
Whether you seek routine preventative care or treatment options to fix complex concerns in your smile, the Bethesda Family Smiles team is here to help. We are happy to answer any questions about your dental care procedures so that you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
We believe that an informed patient is a healthier patient, meaning we will take the time to go over your dental health needs in a way that is accessible and thorough. Our Bethesda, MD dentist office emphasizes a patient-focused experience that is mindful of the individualized needs of each person. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to dentistry. Rest assured that when you visit our office, you will be treated with the kindness and respect you deserve.
Coping With Dental Anxiety
We work with patients to ensure they have the best experience in our office. One way to help with dental anxiety is patient education. Our dental team will talk to you about your dental problems and the procedures we’ll perform to treat your condition. Even if it’s just a routine dental appointment, we’ll tell you what to expect at each step. Many patients find it relaxing to know exactly what we’re doing so that they can prepare for it.
We encourage you to talk to us about your fears and concerns. The dental team has extensive training for handling patients with anxiety. We want to support and reassure you during your dental appointments. Open communication is crucial; you can talk to anyone on our team without worrying about judgment. Let us know your concerns so we can tailor your treatment to you as an individual.
Before your appointment, there are ways to get you in the right mindset before entering our office. Utilize breathing techniques to relax yourself is often beneficial. Visualizing exercises and meditation can also help.
In certain instances, we may bring up therapy. Exposure therapy involves you gradually facing your fear of the dentist. We can provide a controlled and supportive space for you to ease into regular dental care. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you identify the exact things that cause anxiety about dentistry. As you work through it, you can understand where your anxiety comes from and have a better idea of how to manage it.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
Many patients have some level of dental anxiety. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Is dental anxiety common?
Dental anxiety is very common. Most of our patients have some level of hesitation when undergoing certain dental procedures. However, only a small amount of them suffer from an extreme fear that makes it difficult for them to even walk into the office. No matter where you sit on the spectrum, we employ an experienced staff to help you receive the dental care you need.
What causes dental anxiety?
There are many causes of dental anxiety. Children typically suffer from it because of the fear of the unknown. Plus having a person you do not know doing things inside your mouth can understandably seem scary. Many adults fear the dentist due to frightening past experiences.
There are several other reasons, including a fear of pain, needles, drills, feeling helpless, and simply feeling embarrassed by the condition of their oral health. No matter what causes your fear and anxiety, we have experience dealing with patients just like you. Our compassionate staff will always answer your questions and help you get through each appointment.
How do I tell my dentist I have dental anxiety?
The first thing you should do is call our office and speak to one of our staff members. Explain to them that you have this fear of the dentist or dental anxiety. Our staff members are compassionate and ready to help every patient who suffers like this. Once you arrive for your appointment, remind the dental staff and talk to the dentist about your fears. Being open and honest will allow us to serve you better and meet your needs.