Dentophobia, or strong fear of going to the dentist, can be life-altering. Without dental care, many patients find themselves suffering from pain, embarrassment, and other problems associated with decay and gum disease. Unfortunately, it becomes harder and harder to seek treatment as problems worsen because many patients worry that the dental team will judge or chastise them.
These problems have lasting effects on patients, impacting their self-esteem and health and sometimes leading to serious or even life-threatening complications.
While patients must overcome dental fear to seek treatment in the first place, the best dentists know that keeping these patients — people like you — comfortable requires a group effort that begins the moment patients walk in the door and extends well beyond the completion of their treatment.
The current insurance climate has many medical and dental offices scrambling to get as many patients through the office as possible in a given day. This chaotic, rushed approach can leave fearful patients feeling worried and anxious about their treatment. All patients, but especially those who fear the dentist, need to know that they can take their time to get comfortable and have all of their questions answered. Perhaps most importantly, they need to know that their dentist will also take sufficient time, working at a pace that is most comforting for the patient.
A non-judgmental, compassionate approach from both the dentist and the office staff can help patients overcome their worries. While education is a critical component of proper dental care, it’s important that care always feels helpful and accepting.
Sedation dentistry has given thousands of patients access to treatment they thought they’d never receive due to a debilitating fear of dentists. In sedation dentistry (sometimes called gentle dentistry), the dentist can administer light, moderate, or deep sedation prior to and during your procedure. This eliminates anxiety and in the case of moderate and deep sedation prevents you from remembering the procedure at all.
Some patients only require sedation for heavy dental work, while others require sedation for cleanings and exams. Whatever your needs, the right dentist will ensure you feel comfortable enough to receive the treatment you need.
To get started on the path to complete health and wellness with a gentle dentist, request an appointment with Scott Young today.
