What We Can Do To Ease Your Dental Anxiety – Sedation And So Much More

At Dr. Aaron Ward Periodontics and Dental Implants, we know that going to the dentist isn’t most people’s favorite activity. But for patients with dental anxiety, the mere idea of visiting a dental office, even for a checkup, can cause lots of stress, fear, and other negative emotions.

That’s why we’re dedicated to making the experience of patients with dental anxiety better. Let’s discuss the basics of dental anxiety now, and go over some of the ways that Dr. Aaron Ward and our team can help you overcome anxiety and get the care you need in South Ogden, UT.
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What Is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety refers to the stress, anxiety, and fear that some people feel when they get dental care. Lots of people have dental anxiety, too. Depending on the study you look at, up to 36% of people are scared of seeing the dentist, with about 12% having “extreme” dental anxiety.

If you get nervous when it’s time for your six-month checkup, when you need a filling, or if the idea of even stepping foot into a dental office makes you feel uncomfortable and anxious, you may have dental anxiety.
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What Causes Dental Anxiety?

Lots of different things can “trigger” dental anxiety. Everyone’s anxiety is a bit different, but here are a few of the most common causes of anxiety at the dental office:

• Fear of pain – This is a very common trigger. You may worry that your numbing won’t work, or that you may experience severe pain during or after your dental treatment.
  
  
• Fear of needles – Fear of needles is extremely common, and can be a problem if you need your mouth to be numbed during your dental appointment.
  
  
• Loss of control – Some people don’t like the loss of control that you experience during the process of getting dental treatment. Since you’re not in control of what happens, this can cause lots of anxiety.
  
  
• Sensory triggers – Certain things like the bright lights used during treatment, the smell of cleaning products, and especially the sound of a dental drill can trigger dental anxiety in some people.
  
  
• Embarrassment or feeling judged – If you feel self-conscious or embarrassed about how your teeth look or about your past dental health issues, you may feel very nervous or anxious about seeing a dentist for care.
  
  
• Bad dental experiences – If you’ve had a bad experience at a past dentist, this can make getting future dental care even harder. Dental anxiety is extremely common in patients who have had negative experiences in the past.
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Discuss Your Fears With Us – And We’ll Help You Overcome Them!

At Dr. Aaron Ward Periodontics and Dental Implants, our goal is to help you overcome dental anxiety, and provide the expert dental care you need for a healthy smile in South Ogden, UT. If you’re nervous about seeing the dentist, we’re here to help!

Dr. Ward can meet with you, learn more about the sources of your anxiety, and suggest ways that you can overcome them. For example, if you don’t like the sound of a dental drill, you can bring headphones and listen to music or a podcast to distract yourself during your appointment. We may also recommend sedation dentistry to help you feel more calm and comfortable throughout your treatment.
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Are You A Candidate For Dental Sedation? Find Out At Our Office!

If you have dental anxiety, dental sedation in South Ogden from Dr. Aaron Ward Periodontics and Dental Implants and Dental Implants may be right for you. We offer a wide variety of sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation, oral conscious sedation with a pill, and even IV sedation.

If you have dental anxiety, you may be a good candidate for dental sedation at our office. As long as you’re healthy, sedation helps you fight back against anxiety and feel more relaxed while you get the treatment you need at our office. To learn more and get started, just give us a call at (801) 394-6651 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.