Dr. Joseph Thompson is a compassionate dentist who treats patients who suffer from dental anxiety and fear of the dentist. He employs a team that will cater to your needs to make your trip to our Greeley, CO dentist as stress free as possible. Dental anxiety is one of the dental concerns we treat from our office in Greeley.
Why Do Some People Have Dental Anxiety?
Many people feel nervous about going to the dentist. This fear can happen for different reasons. Some people had a bad experience at the dentist when they were younger, making them scared to return. Others worry about pain or feeling out of control in the dentist’s chair.
The sound of dental tools, like drills, can make some people very uneasy. Some are afraid of needles or don’t like the idea of someone working in their mouth. The smell of the dental office can also bring back scary memories for some.
Money worries play a part, too. Dental work can be expensive, and some people stress about how they’ll pay for it. Also, some folks feel ashamed about the state of their teeth and don’t want anyone to see them.
Understanding these fears is the first step in overcoming dental anxiety and getting the care you need.
Dental Anxiety in Greeley, CO
Dental anxiety is not uncommon. Many people around the county find it difficult to visit the dentist every single day. The reason for this anxiety is different for everyone. The real problem arises when the fear and anxiety keeps patients from getting the dental care they need to remain in good oral health. This anxiety can present itself in many different ways. You may experience:
- High pulse rate
- Sweating
- Nervousness
- Upset stomach
- Feeling of dread
- Withdrawn
- Aggressiveness
- Irritation
Why do you feel this way? The answer is different for everyone! Some people may simply fear needles or the sounds of drills they hear at the dentist. Others have experienced a traumatic past dental appointment that has left them dreading every future dental appointment. Over the years, dental methods have improved making treatments painless when they used to not be. We also often have patient who could not afford dental care for many years and suffer from extreme anxiety because they know their teeth are in bad shape.
The Cost of Avoiding the Dentist
Whatever the cause of your dental anxiety is, it is not worth the cost of skipping your regular dental appointments. Avoiding the dentist this will lead to complications with your oral health. It can even cause problems with your overall health if you wait too long. Even if you brush and floss daily, regular dental care is a must. Bi-annual teeth cleanings prevent tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, bone loss, and infections that can cause problems within your body.
Overcome your Fear with Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry has become a vital tool that helps people get the dental care they need. Our state of the art dentist office offers several forms of sedation to patients who suffer from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist. With sedation dentistry, most patients will remain calm and in a deep state of relaxation during the entire appointment.
This will allow your dentist to work more thoroughly and accomplish more during a single visit. You will be able to remain calm and anxiety free. Most patients do not remember anything from the appointment when they come out of sedation.
Dr. Thompson offers three types of sedation:
- Oral Sedation: Dental oral sedation is a method in which we give a patient medication to reduce anxiety and discomfort during their dental procedure. The patient will take the medication orally before the appointment, allowing them to feel relaxed and drowsy throughout the procedure. Oral sedation is a safe and common practice we use to help patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing lengthy or invasive procedures.
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is a gas the patient inhales for sedation and pain relief. We use nitrous oxide to help patients relax during dental procedures, reducing anxiety and discomfort. The gas is administered through a mask the patient wears over their nose. This mask allows them to inhale the gas during the entire appointment, keeping them calm and anxiety-free the whole time. The gas will quickly wear off once we remove the mask.
- IV Sedation: IV dental sedation is a type of sedation where we administer medication through an intravenous drip. This type of dental sedation is a great way to help patients relax and feel calm during dental procedures. We may suggest using IV sedation for patients with severe dental anxiety or phobia. It enables them to undergo necessary treatments with ease. This form of sedation also helps reduce pain and discomfort, making the dental experience more pleasant for anxious patients.
Patient Education is Also Important
Patient education is also very important to us. We find that our patients appreciate knowing what to expect. This helps them fully prepare themselves for the appointment and it also guarantees no surprises. Our helpful dental staff will take the time to fully explain each step of the treatment. We will also be available for any questions.
Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety
If you’re scared of the dentist, there are some things you can do to help you feel calmer. The most important thing you can do is discuss your fears and anxiety with Dr. Thompson. We will do everything we can to help you manage these feelings so you can get the dental care you need. We encourage our patients to ask as many questions as they need so there are no surprises.
One suggestion that may work for you is to bring a friend or family member to your appointment for support. Having someone you trust nearby can make you feel safe.
Some people use relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or picturing a peaceful place in your mind. Try doing a relaxing activity, such as yoga or meditation, before the appointment to calm yourself.
We also encourage you to listen to music or podcasts during your visit. Doing this can help distract you from scary sounds.
Ask Dr. Thompson for a short break if you feel overwhelmed. Doing this will help you feel like you have some control over what’s happening.
Schedule your appointments first thing in the morning. Early appointments will reduce anticipation stress.
Lastly, give yourself an award after the appointment. Planning something fun can provide you with something positive to focus on.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, consider working with Dr. Thompson in Greeley, CO. He is a caring dentist that welcomes patients who suffer from fear and anxiety surrounding dental appointments. When you meet with him, it is important to be honest and explain all your fears so that he can properly cater to your needs. Dr. Thompson will also review your medical history and suggest a type of sedation dentistry if necessary. Schedule your appointment today by calling 970.205.9614 or request an appointment online.