If you suffer from anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist, you are not alone.

There are many causes of dental anxiety – bad personal experiences, anxiety passed on from parents, innate fears and phobias, etc. The fact is that most people feel some degree of anxiety when they go to the dentist.

However, if you suffer from anxiety, there are many things the right dentist can do to make you comfortable and ensure you take proper care of your oral health. Your choice of dentist can make a huge difference in how you feel, and at Kellerman Dental, we specialize in serving those with various levels of dental anxiety.

Let’s take a look at some common dental anxiety issues and how we can help.

You Feel Rushed at the Dentist

One of the common problems with modern dentistry is that it can feel rushed. You may spend time sitting in a waiting room before being hurried back to an operatory where the hygienist barely introduces themselves before they begin working in your mouth. The dentist may rush in, poke around in your mouth, and then bring out the needles or drills to get to work.

This feeling of being moved around quickly can create extra nervousness and a sense of unease. Plus, when you don’t get quality time with your caretakers, they can feel disconnected like strangers, which adds to the issue.

However, the right dental team will take the time to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during each step of your visit. You’ll be surprised at how much this takes the edge off your anxiety.

You Feel Uncertain at the Dentist

Uncertainty always leads to anxiety. When you’re not sure what your dentist is doing or what is coming next, you are sure to feel more nervous during your visit. A lack of communication may result from a rushed, dental team or merely a lack of compassionate culture in practice.

The right dentist will take the time to get to know you and communicate clearly with you during every visit. They will offer clear explanations and any questions that you may have to make sure you’re comfortable.

You Don’t Fully Trust the Dentist

For some people, anxiety occurs because they don’t fully trust their caretakers. That may be related to a lack of communication, but it can also be caused by not trusting their skills and expertise.

However, if you choose the best dentist, you will have more confidence in their ability by looking at their credentials and previous reviews. It will help you feel relaxed during every visit, and you will trust their skills when you need dental treatment.

You Have Severe Dental Anxiety

While all of these concerns influence how nervous someone may be during their dental visits, some patients whose condition is more severe may need additional help to overcome their anxiety.

In these cases, your dentist can offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses chemical means (medicine) to help you overcome your dental anxiety so you can feel relaxed and comfortable during your appointment.

At Kellerman Dental, we offer our patients two types of sedation: anxiety-free sedation and conscious sedation, where the patient is very relaxed and likely to sleep through their appointment. It allows us to match each patient with the sedation that best fits their individual needs.

Are You Looking for an Anxiety-Free Dental Office in the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Area?

If you have any level of dental anxiety, Kellerman Dental might be the perfect fit for you. Dr. Kevin Kellerman, our dentist, uses all the methods above to overcome your fear and have a comfortable dental experience.

Please contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule your consultation.

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