Are you anxious about visiting the dentist’s office?
As a holistic dentist in Bountiful, UT, Dr. Larsen wants to ensure that your overall health is taken into account at every appointment. This includes your mental health. If you experience fear of the dentist or dental anxiety, our team looks forward to providing you with compassionate dental care. In addition to the many dental concerns Dr. Larsen addresses, he helps patients suffering from dental anxiety.
We never want a patient to put off seeking dental care because they are uncomfortable in the dentist’s chair. This is why we offer sedation dentistry solutions to assist patients in staying calm and comfortable through the entirety of their dental procedure.
Whether you’re receiving a preventative care appointment or are receiving a more invasive procedure like a dental implant, our sedation dentistry solutions can be used to maintain your peace of mind.
There are various reasons people fear the dentist. Patients who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia have an increased chance of suffering from dental anxiety. The fear can be associated with drills, needles, or a medical environment. Other reasons include:
- Fear of pain
- Fear of having no control
- Embarrassed by current oral health
- Traumatic past dental experience
Dental Anxiety Solutions in Bountiful, UT
People experience dental anxiety for a variety of reasons. Some patients have had previous bad experiences in the dentist’s chair. Others have not sought out dental care in a while and are afraid of being judged on the current condition of their smile. Regardless of the reason you are experiencing dental anxiety, we are here to help you. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding how we treat patients with dental anxiety:
My child struggles to sit still. Will they still receive care?
Yes. We prepare our team to work with children and help them become accustomed to sitting in the dentist’s chair. For children who struggle to sit still, sedation dentistry options work well to keep them calm enough for us to perform our cleanings and exams.
Additionally, our team moves at their pace and answers all questions that they may have about our procedures. We believe that patients of all ages deserve to have information about the care they are receiving. As a result, we do our best to explain our processes to them in child-friendly terms.
I haven’t been to the dentist in a while. What should I expect?
We understand that life often gets in the way of going to the dentist. However, it’s important to visit a dentist at least once every six months to maintain a healthy smile. If you are visiting our office after a long period of neglecting your dental health, understand that we are ready to provide you with care without passing judgment.
You should expect your first appointment to be cleaning and consultation of the current condition of your smile. Afterward, we will discuss further treatments if necessary.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. All of our procedures and treatments are safe for our patients. Talk to Dr. Larsen regarding any concerns you have about sedation dentistry. He will happily provide you with various options for treating dental anxiety and come up with a plan that meets your needs.
Can tooth pain be psychological?
Yes, tooth pain can sometimes be psychological. While most toothaches are due to physical issues like cavities, gum disease, or trauma, patients can experience dental pain without an apparent physical cause. Dentists refer to this as “phantom tooth pain.”
Moreover, dental professionals believe this neuropathic pain causes the nerves to send pain signals to the brain even without injury. Stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors can exacerbate or trigger this pain. If someone suspects their tooth pain might be psychological, seeing a dentist to rule out any physical causes is critical.
Does oral sedation help with anxiety?
Oral sedation can help patients with anxiety during dental procedures. It is especially beneficial for patients with dental phobia undergoing lengthy procedures. Moreover, sedation medications cause relaxation and mild drowsiness. This can reduce fear and make you less aware during treatment.
However, it’s important to note that oral sedation is less powerful than IV sedation. But it can still remove fear and anxiety. If you’re considering oral sedation, you should talk with your dentist about it before any procedure.
Why is fear of the dentist so common?
Fear of the dentist, or dental phobia, is common for numerous reasons. Many patients have had prior negative or painful experiences that instill anxiety about future visits. The sights and sounds of dental technology and tools in the office can cause fear. Moreover, patients have a fear of pain from injections and complex procedures.
Lastly, many patients have common misconceptions. They believe procedures such as root canals and tooth extractions will be very painful. However, with up-to-date dental technology and sedation methods, this is simply untrue. Compassionate dentists help patients relax and maintain control.