Dental Anxiety and Fear
Fear of the dentist is a very common phenomenon, and it’s estimated that 35 million people don’t go to the dentist at all as a result. However, going to the dentist is fundamental to keeping your overall health and wellbeing in an optimal state.
At Peter J. Blank, DDS, we do things differently. We completely understand that some of our patients have a phobia or feelings of discomfort around coming into the office, and we go out of our way to eliminate those worries and make you feel truly safe and comfortable.
We are here to listen to your concerns with compassion and do all we can to ease your anxiety. Whether you’re concerned about a specific aspect of your visit such as an injection or the drill, or just have general fears about office visits, our friendly and caring team can offer solutions that will make you feel more comfortable and calmer.
Here are a few ways we can help you relax during your visit and fight off your dentistry demons for good.
Candid conversations - The more we know about your fear or anxiety, the more we can do to make you feel at ease. Let us know what it is that frightens you and we’ll have a collaborative conversation about how to proceed in the way that’s best for you.
Create a signal - Many people are worried about the loss of control during a procedure. If you’re concerned about experiencing pain, we can create a signal meaning “stop” which you can use to communicate this to your dentist.
Bring a speaker - Sometimes music can be like medicine. If it would help put you at ease, you’re welcome to bring a speaker or portable music player to play soothing tunes during your visit.
Use a throat spray - There are some throat sprays on the market, such as Vicks® Chloraseptic® Throat Spray, that can help control your gag reflex if this is a concern. Two or three sprays will typically keep the reflex under control for about an hour.
Bring a mirror - Sometimes it's our imaginations that most frighten us. If your fear is related to not knowing or understanding what’s going on, you can look in a handheld mirror to keep the reality of the procedure concrete.
Sedation- If you’re simply unable to cope with the procedure in other ways, sedation can be an excellent option during treatment.
Ask about alternatives - Thanks to advances in technology such as microsurgery and lasers, there are new and innovative ways to approach treatment. Ask your dentist about potential alternative treatments to see if there’s one that may reduce your anxiety.
Come and See Us
From office regulars to new faces, we’re always happy to welcome you into our office. If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment, please give us a call today.
Office Hours
Monday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
