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, we understand dental visits can be hard for some patients.
We strive to provide our patients with the most comfortable and welcoming environment where patients feel at home. Dental anxiety is one of the dental concerns that Dr. Adams treats in her office. Through patient education and relationship-based dentistry, Dr. Heather Adams 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, she will answer them for you at your visit. Dr. Adams 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.
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, depending 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 treating 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.
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.