Dental Phobia Lake Jackson
It is no secret that going to the dentist can be stressful. For some, the anxiety can be managed with a few deep breaths and some easy conversation. For others, this stress is severe enough to consider it dental phobia - a fear of going to the dentist. Managing dental phobia can be accomplished by:
- Finding a dentist who is right for you
- Understanding your fear and the triggers that cause it
- Exploring sedation dentistry options
At Bell Dental, your safety and peace of mind are two of our top priorities. We have the experience and skill necessary to help you manage your dental phobia right here in our Lake Jackson office. To learn more about the services we offer to help ease your fear, contact us today.
What Causes Dental Phobia?
There are a number of sources for dental phobia. One of the most common is a negative experience with another dentist. If a past visit to a dental office included seemingly unnecessary pain, roughness, or the feeling of loss of control, it may have instilled a fear in you that will carry over to future appointments. Patients who have neglected their smile for a long period of time may also struggle with anxiety about admitting their neglect or being ridiculed for it.
Drs. Brian Bell and Justin Crocker work day in and day out with patients who suffer from dental phobia and are dedicated to providing compassionate, gentle care to help ease anxiety.
How We Can Help
One of the most important aspects to providing a relaxing environment for our patients is building trusting, honest relationships. From the moment you walk into Bell Dental, you will be welcomed with kindness, compassion, and our undivided attention. We will spend as much time as is necessary to get to know you and each of your unique needs. Communication between you and your dentist will stay open and positive to give you a chance to ask any questions you may have, address your concerns about dental appointments, and gain valuable knowledge about the safe and careful practices we use to make your experience comfortable.
In addition to nurturing a positive relationship with our patients, we also offer sedation dentistry options to take the edge off of your stress. Oral sedation can be administered before a dental appointment to help dull your anxiety and help you relax. Under oral conscious sedation, you will remain awake during your treatment, but will feel deeply relaxed. A dulled sense of touch will help alleviate any sensitivity you have and in many cases, you may not have any memory of your appointment.
The Benefits of Managing Your Dental Phobia
When confronted with fear, we are faced with the well-known choice between fight and flight. In many cases, patients who are afraid of going to the dentist avoid the situation altogether and simply do not go. Unfortunately, this decision does not come without a high cost. Neglecting your smile for weeks, months, or years can cause serious harm to the health and appearance of your smile as well as your overall well-being. Taking the necessary steps now to understand your anxiety and eventually manage it will come with incredible rewards. It is possible to achieve a healthy, happy smile despite dental phobia or severe anxiety. Our Lake Jackson team can help you reach your goals, and we are prepared to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about managing your dental phobia.