Does the thought of sitting in the dental chair make you nervous? Maybe you’ve delayed making an appointment because of a previous experience, worry about discomfort or simply feel anxious as soon as you walk through the door.
Dental anxiety is something we take seriously at Champion Family Dental.
You don’t need to hide the fact that you’re nervous, and you certainly don’t need to feel embarrassed about it. Our team regularly cares for anxious patients, and we can work with you to make visiting the dentist feel more manageable.
Why Do People Feel Anxious About Dental Visits?
Dental anxiety can be different for everyone.
For some people, it comes from an uncomfortable or frightening dental experience earlier in life. Others may worry about pain, needles, sounds or feeling as though they’re not in control.
Sometimes it’s simply been so long since the last dental visit that a person becomes worried about what the dentist might find.
Whatever is behind your anxiety, telling us about it is a helpful first step.
You’re in Control of Your Appointment
One of the most important things we can do for an anxious patient is listen.
Let your dentist know what makes you uncomfortable and what has helped, or hasn’t helped, during previous dental visits. We can explain what we’re doing, answer your questions and make sure you understand your options.
If you need a moment during your appointment, let us know. Dental care doesn’t have to feel like something that is simply happening to you. We want you to feel involved in decisions about your care.
Start Small If You Need To
If you’ve avoided the dentist for a long time, you may be imagining a long list of treatments waiting for you.
Try not to get ahead of yourself.
The first step is simply finding out what’s happening with your oral health. Once we understand your needs, we can explain our findings and discuss what, if anything, should happen next.
Treatment can then be planned according to your individual situation rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
A Team That Understands Nervous Patients
Creating a comfortable experience for nervous patients is important to our team.
Our team is here to listen, answer your questions and explain your treatment clearly. We’ll take things at a pace that feels comfortable for you, with a focus on building trust and making each visit a more positive experience.
What About Severe Dental Anxiety?
For some people, reassurance and taking things slowly may not be enough.
Champion Family Dental also provides sedation dentistry options, including IV sedation, sometimes known as twilight sedation, for suitable patients. Treatment under general anaesthetic may also be available when appropriate.
These options aren’t necessary for everyone, and suitability depends on your individual circumstances and the treatment required. Your dentist can discuss the available options with you and help determine what may be appropriate.
Take the First Step When You’re Ready
If it has been five, ten or even twenty years since you last visited a dentist, our job isn’t to lecture you about the past. We’re here to help you move forward.
Taking that first step after years of avoiding dental care can feel significant, particularly when anxiety has been holding you back. Simply making an appointment is progress. If dental anxiety has been stopping you from looking after your teeth, talk to us.
Let our team know that you’re nervous when you make your appointment so we’re aware before you even arrive. We’ll do our best to make your visit feel calm, respectful and manageable.