Do you avoid visiting the dentist out of anxiety and fear? Visiting the dentist can be a difficult and stressful experience for many patients. Some patients may even avoid scheduling their routine oral exams because of their dental anxiety. If you struggle with a fear of the dentist, you are not alone. At the office of Rogers, AR, dentist Dr. Heather Adams understands dental visits can be hard for some patients.
We strive to provide our patients with a comfortable and welcoming environment where they feel at home. Dental anxiety is one of the dental concerns that Dr. Heather Adams treats in her office. Through patient education and relationship-based dentistry, she helps patients understand and find ways to overcome their dental anxiety.
Solutions for Dental Anxiety in Rogers, AR
Taking care of your smile can help you enjoy a better quality of life. Avoiding routine dental exams can be potentially risky. If you develop dental problems and do not visit the dentist, you can experience worse symptoms over time.
We aim to create a warm and welcoming environment. Our team wants you to feel comfortable when you visit our office. We provide individualized treatment plans and take the time to get to know our patients. Our one-on-one dental health exams include a personal consultation with Dr. Adams. She will listen to your concerns and cosmetic goals.
If you have any questions about your oral health, Dr. Adams will answer them at your visit. She will also explain all the necessary treatments so that you thoroughly understand what you will experience. We empower our patients to make informed decisions about their oral health.
Patient education often helps patients feel less anxious about their treatment. Not knowing what will happen during dental treatment can increase your fear of pain or the unknown. We will explain your dental treatments so you won’t be in the dark about how we treat your teeth and gums.
Deep breathing and relaxation techniques are valuable for many patients who feel stressed visiting the dentist. Taking deep breaths helps slow your heart rate and blood pressure. We may also recommend bringing headphones, a stress ball, or another object to distract you during treatment. Listening to your favorite music or a podcast can help keep you comfortable in the dental chair.
Sedation Dentistry
In addition to patient education, sedation can help you physically relax more during treatment. Dr. Adams offers sedation dentistry for patients with a negative past dental experience or dental anxiety.
Sedation dentistry can help you feel completely calm and relaxed during your visit to our dentist’s office. Under sedation, you will remain alert but have little to no memory of your time in the dentist’s chair.
We offer nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation to patients. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is administered through a mask. Laughing gas takes effect quickly and provides pain-free treatment. Under laughing gas, you may feel happy and will not feel any pain.
For oral conscious sedation, we will provide you with a pill before treatment. We will instruct you to take it an hour or two before treatment. You will stay conscious but feel relaxed during your dental procedure. Because anti-anxiety medication takes time to take effect and wear off, we recommend that you get a ride to and from the office.
We can use these treatment methods for complex dental surgeries or routine examinations, based on your comfort or anxiety level. Our dentists want patients of all ages to feel comfortable and welcome when visiting our office. Sedation isn’t only restricted to patients with dental anxiety, either. We often use sedation to ensure patient comfort during lengthy dental treatments.
Fear of the Dentist FAQs
Below, we will answer common questions for patients with a fear of the dentist in Rogers, AR:
What will happen if I avoid dentist appointments due to fear of the dentist?
You can’t properly care for your teeth without the help of a dentist. We understand that many people fear the dentist, and we want to help them receive the dental care they need.
If you avoid the dentist, your teeth, gums, underlying bone, and overall health will suffer. Dr. Adams will suggest using sedation dentistry methods to help you receive treatments and avoid major problems from developing.
How can I prepare for my dentist appointments?
If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, we suggest finding ways to help deal with these problems. This may include meditation, yoga, music therapy, or counseling. Talking through your feelings toward dental care has proven helpful for people with bad past dental experiences.
You may also bring a comfort item to the appointment, such as a weighted blanket. We offer a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental atmosphere to help patients deal with their fears.
Can I drive myself home after the appointment?
If you choose to use sedation dentistry to get through your dentist appointments due to fear and anxiety, then you may need to get a ride to and from your dentist appointment. Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescription medication, and you will not be able to operate a vehicle.
The medication will be fully worn off after 24 hours. We administer laughing gas through a mask. It takes effect immediately and wears off quickly after we remove the mask. You should be able to drive home after your appointment.
How do I visit the dentist if I’m self-conscious about my teeth?
If you’re self-conscious about your teeth, it can feel intimidating to visit the dentist. But remember, Dr. Adams and her team are there to help, not judge. Dentists are professionals who see all types of teeth, so don’t worry about feeling embarrassed. They are focused on your health.
Let Dr. Adams know if you’re feeling self-conscious about your teeth. She can help you feel more comfortable during the visit.
Can dental anxiety impact my oral health?
Yes, dental anxiety can impact your oral health. When you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you might avoid going for check-ups or treatments. This can lead to problems like cavities, gum disease, or tooth decay, which could have been prevented with regular dental care. If you skip dental appointments because of fear, small issues can worsen.
What do dentists do if I haven’t been to the office in years?
If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, don’t worry—we are used to helping people who haven’t had a visit in a while.
During your visit, we will start with a thorough dental exam. We will check for cavities, gum disease, or other issues. We will also take X-rays to see what’s happening under the surface of your teeth and gums. This helps catch problems that aren’t visible.
Then, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth to remove this buildup and help keep your teeth healthy.
If we find any dental issues, Dr. Adams will discuss them with you and suggest a treatment plan. She will also give you tips on how to take better care of your teeth going forward. Regular visits and good home care can keep your teeth healthy.
Can I be put to sleep for routine dental care?
We recommend dental sedation if you have anxiety and need routine treatment like cleanings or fillings. While you technically won’t be asleep, you will feel deeply relaxed. You also won’t feel any pain when we use sedation. Based on the type of sedation, you may not be aware of your treatment.
Can I pause dental treatment?
Yes, you can usually pause dental treatment if you need to. If you’re feeling anxious, uncomfortable, or need a break, let our dentist know. She will stop and give you a moment to relax. We understand and want to ensure you feel comfortable throughout the treatment. However, if the treatment is part of a larger plan, like fillings or a crown, we will recommend sedation.
Get Relaxing Treatment
Whether you have been avoiding the dentist due to dental anxiety or are looking for a more personal dental care experience, contact Dr. Adams. Dr. Adams can help you restore and enhance your natural, healthy smile.
If you fear the dentist, contact the office of Dr. Adams in Rogers, AR. Learn more about how we can help you manage your anxiety and improve your smile. We invite patients of all ages to experience the difference that high-quality, compassionate dentistry can make in their lives.
Contact our Bentonville, AR, dentist office at (479) 431-4212. You can also schedule your next in-person consultation online. If you have any more questions about your treatment options, feel free to ask us. We will be happy to assist you.