Relieving Dental Anxiety

To relieve anxiety, your dental team makes you as comfortable as possible. We listen intently to your needs and fully answer all your questions so you know just what to expect. You'll also appreciate comforts like neck pillows, weighted blankets, and heated face cloths. We can also administer complimentary laughing gas if you need a little extra help relaxing.

To help reduce your anxiety before you arrive at the dentist office, you can practice taking a few deep breaths to help you relax anytime you start to feel anxious. Usually six to 10 deep breaths will help lower your pulse and help you feel more relaxed. You can also try picturing yourself in the dental chair, lying back fully relaxed while we're working on your smile.

Dental anxiety can develop for many reasons, including a previous negative dental experience, fear of pain, sensitive teeth, embarrassment about oral health, or simply feeling uncomfortable in a dental setting. We'll take time to understand your concerns and adjust your care to help you feel more comfortable.

Laughing gas, also called nitrous oxide, is a mild form of sedation that you breathe through a small mask during treatment. It helps you feel calm and relaxed while remaining awake and able to respond to your dentist throughout your appointment.

The effects of laughing gas wear off within a few minutes after the mask is removed. Most patients feel back to normal quickly and can safely drive themselves home after their appointment.

To help you relax during your dental appointment, you can take advantage of amenities such as weighted blankets, neck pillows, heated face cloths, ceiling-mounted TVs, headphones, and beverages. These thoughtful touches create a more comfortable, spa-like experience.

Letting your dentist know about your anxiety allows the care team to adjust your treatment, explain procedures at your pace, recommend comfort options, and create an experience that helps you feel more relaxed from start to finish.