If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you are not alone. Visiting the dentist can be overwhelming for many people. Some people feel so much anxiety about visiting the dentist that they avoid their routine dental health exams. Skipping biannual dental checkups can often lead to an overall deterioration in your oral health. Regular exams allow for early diagnosis and conservative treatment options for any developing dental concerns.
Welcoming Patients Who Have a Fear of the Dentist in Roslyn, NY
Bella Smiles provides patients with a uniquely compassionate, welcoming dental office environment. We promote patient education and work to build personal relationships with our patients. Our dental care team helps patients overcome their dental anxiety by taking the time to answer their questions and explaining any necessary treatments in detail.
Patients with dental anxiety often feel nervous about the “unknowns” of dentistry- our dental care team helps unravel the mystery so that our patients feel confident and comfortable during their dental procedures.
Sedation Dentistry: Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Patients develop dental anxiety for many different reasons. For some, past experience with other dentists may make it difficult to return to the dentist. If you have extensive dental issues, contact our Roslyn, NY Dentist office.
We understand how challenging it can be to visit a dentist after years of avoidance. Our team will treat you with respect and dignity and will help you to rebuild and restore your naturally beautiful smile.
If a patient’s dental anxiety is severe, or if they require more advanced procedures, Drs. Lotardo, Pop, or Caesar may recommend sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry can help patients remain completely calm and comfortable for the duration of their dental treatment.
Your Bella Smiles dentist will collect an extensive medical history, complete an oral health exam, and discuss the patient’s concerns and preferences prior to administering sedation. Your safety and comfort are our top priority and all patients are closely monitored while under sedation.
Dental Sedation Options
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral sedation is taken in a pill form prior to the time of your appointment. Patients will remain alert and responsive while enjoying an overall sense of relaxation. Patients will require reliable transportation to and from our dental office as oral conscious sedation takes some time to fully wear off.
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, is administered through a mask that fits over the mouth and nose. Nitrous oxide takes effect immediately and the patients will have no residual side effects once the mask is removed. Patients are able to communicate with their dentist but will have little to no memory of their procedure.
Do not let dental anxiety prevent you from enjoying the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. If you experience dental anxiety, contact Bella Smiles Roslyn to learn more about how compassionate, high-quality dentistry can make a difference in your life.
Our dental care team goes above and beyond to accommodate patients with fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist.
To begin your journey to a brighter smile, contact Bella Smiles in Riverhead, Nesconset, and Roslyn, NY. We welcome new patients and provide comprehensive care for all ages.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
What can dentists do for anxiety?
Dentists may give a patient a sedative if they struggle with severe dental anxiety. They may also recommend that you take Valium, an anti-anxiety medication an hour before your appointment to calm your nerves. Dentists can also give patients oral sedation to calm and numb a patient prior to a procedure.
What is the best way to stop dental anxiety before a dental appointment?
If you know that you suffer from dental anxiety it is important to remember that your dentist has many other patients who deal with the same struggles as you. Listening to music is a good way to distract oneself from anxiety before and during your appointment.
Communicating with your dentist throughout is a great way to ensure that you are both on the same page and that you are comfortable during your appointment. Hand signals are a great way to communicate if you find it difficult to speak while the dentist is working on your teeth.
Should I take a painkiller before going to the dentist?
If you struggle with dental anxiety it is okay to take an over-the-counter pain reliever prior to your dental appointment. If you are having a procedure, or your dentist mentions sedation or numbing you should be sure to tell them whatever you took to be sure that any medication administered will not interact with the OTC medication.