We spend a lot of time discussing services, treatments, and procedures in this blog, but today we want to talk about something a little different.
This post is for people who are afraid of the dentist or for people who know someone who is afraid of the dentist. Intellectually, we hope you realize that dentists are trying to help you or your loved one, but we understand that knowledge isn’t always enough to overcome emotional feelings of dental anxiety.
We have found that good communication is beneficial for patients who are nervous about coming to Beaumont Family Dentistry. This is true for our patients in Lexington, Georgetown, Richmond, and all over Central Kentucky.
Ask Questions
We want all our patients to feel calm and comfortable in our office. This is why we offer a range of comfort options as well as sedation dentistry (which we will discuss later).
Before you can take advantage of those things, you first need to make a call or stop by our office, however. If you are not ready to make an appointment, that is OK, but learning more about our dental staff and how we operate may make it easier for you to schedule a cleaning in the near future.
Remember, it’s OK to take things one step at a time.
If you can, stop by one of our offices in Beaumont Centre Circle, Hamburg, or Leestown. During this visit, try to get a feel for the environment. Talk to some of our staff members to learn more about our comfort options, such as:
- Blankets and pillows to help you feel cozy
- Hot tea and coffee while you wait
- Hand and arm massages
- Paraffin wax hand dips
- Lip balm
- Warm towels when your treatment is over
We strive to make all our patients feel comfortable from the moment you walk in the door until you leave.
We want to get to know you, and we want to answer any questions that you may have.
Understand Your Fears
You may know in your gut that you have dental anxiety, but you may or may not know the reasons for that anxiety.
Anxiety can come from many places. If you understand the reasons for your fears, then we can work with you to help you manage them.
If you are afraid of needles, the drill, or another dental tool, please let us know.
If we know that you are bothered by the sounds of dentistry, we have ways to block out those sounds.
If you are worried about pain, we can explain how we use technology to reduce or eliminate any pain you may feel.
These are just a few reasons that you or someone you know may be experiencing dental anxiety. By understanding the specific things that trigger your anxiety, we may be able to alter our approach to make treatment easier for you to receive dental care.
One thing you may find helpful is the tell-show-do technique. If you don’t understand why we are doing something, ask us to tell you about it. We can explain what we are doing and why we are doing it.
Then, we can show you what will be doing and how we will be doing it. This may help you understand specifically what to expect during a procedure or treatment.
And finally, we can do this procedure for you whether it’s a cleaning or something else.
A Few Words About Sedation Dentistry
For some patients, the thought of remembering their dental care is a problem. This is one of the reasons we offer three types of sedation dentistry.
All three sedation options offer amnesiac and anesthetic benefits. You won’t remember much if anything about your treatment, and you won’t experience any pain.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the simplest and quickest form of sedation. With this, you breathe in the gas, and it helps you remain calm throughout your procedure.
With oral conscious sedation, you take a pill prior to your procedure. For more complex treatments, we offer IV sedation, which can only be administered by a licensed professional.
The effects of oral and IV sedation will last for hours, so it’s mandatory that you have someone else drive you home if you receive either of these sedation options.
It Starts With A Phone Call
We want you to feel comfortable with us before you make an appointment for a cleaning. This is why we encourage you to start by calling the Beaumont Family Dentistry office in Lexington that is closest to you. Let them know that you would like to stop by just to see the office and to talk to the staff.
If you feel ready at the end of your call or your visit, then you can schedule a cleaning and examination. But if you aren’t ready, that’s OK, too. Take your time. We’ll be ready to help whenever you are ready to receive it.