Dental anxiety is something that many people in the U.S. suffer to some degree. Some people only struggle with certain procedures or sounds. Others may have dental anxiety so bad that they’re unable to visit the office for regular dental checkups.
At our Northeast Philadelphia dental office, Dr. Drew Shulman has experience in helping patients that suffer from dental fears. Our dental care team strives to ensure patients feel comfortable at our dental office. We’ll help you relax so you can get the dental care you need.
What Causes Dental Anxiety in Northeast Philadelphia?
Many people have dental anxiety because they’ve had a bad experience involving the dentist in the past. Maybe a dental procedure went south or you had a dentist that didn’t have a good attitude while dealing with you. Maybe the sounds of a dental drill or the office setting trigger your fears and anxiety.
No matter what causes your dental fear, it can make it hard to get the dental care you need. If you’re avoiding the dentist altogether, you’re more likely to have bigger dental problems. These require more intensive procedures, which means you’re spending more time in the dental chair in the long run.
At our office, we do everything we can to make sure our patients feel safe and comfortable. From our friendly office environment to education and sedation dentistry, we employ techniques to help even our most anxious patients.
Signs You Have Dental Anxiety
Feeling anxious about visiting the dentist is more common than you might think. Many people in Philadelphia experience some level of dental fear, whether it’s a mild case of nerves or a deep fear that keeps them from getting care. Understanding the signs of dental anxiety can help you recognize your feelings and find ways to manage them before they interfere with your oral health.
Dental anxiety can look different for everyone. Some people feel mild nervousness, while others may completely avoid the dentist. Common signs include:
- Trouble sleeping the night before a dental visit
- Feeling nervous or panicked in the waiting room
- Rapid heartbeat or sweating before your appointment
- Difficulty breathing or feeling the urge to cry
- Avoiding dental care, even when in pain
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. Many patients who visit Dr. Drew Shulman’s office share similar experiences. The good news is that you can manage dental anxiety with the right support and techniques. Recognizing these signs is the first step toward overcoming your fear and taking control of your oral health. Dr. Shulman is here to offer comfortable dental care in his Philadelphia, PA, dental office.
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Utilizing Sedation Dentistry
One of the best ways to take care of dental phobia is with dental sedation. Dr. Shulman is especially adept with sedation dentistry. He’s a member of the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation (DOCS), and has taken hours of courses specifically on this medium. He has sedation certifications with the state of Pennsylvania to provide conscious sedation to his dental patients. Types of dental sedation include:
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is widely known as laughing gas. The patient inhales this gas through a nasal mask during their procedure. Nitrous oxide takes effect and dissipates very quickly. It’s the only form of sedation where you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. You’ll feel relaxed and euphoric throughout your procedure but shouldn’t fall asleep.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed pill before you visit the office for your procedure. You will need a ride both to and from the office. The pill will offer more relaxation than laughing gas. You’ll feel sleepy and relaxed, and may fall asleep. You normally forget some or all of your procedure.
- IV Sedation: IV sedation uses the same kind of drugs as oral conscious sedation. However, the dentist administers them directly into the bloodstream. The dentist carefully controls and monitors the IV drip throughout your appointment to ensure you’re comfortable and safe.
If you suffer from a fear of the dentist, please tell our dental staff. We want to make sure you have a good experience at our office and are able to get the dental treatments you need. Dr. Shulman will talk with you and make sure to provide the best sedation option for your particular case.
How to Prepare For Dental Visits with Anxiety
Feeling nervous about visiting the dentist is very common, but there are simple ways to make your experience more comfortable and stress-free. At Dr. Drew Shulman’s Philadelphia dental office, our team understands dental anxiety and will work with you to help you feel calm and confident during your visit. Here are some helpful tips to prepare for your appointment with no medication needed.
Practice Meditation and Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing and mindfulness can help calm your body and mind before and during your visit. Try taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Practicing this at home can make it easier to relax once you’re in the dental chair. You can also try short meditation sessions or guided relaxation videos before your appointment.
Bring Headphones
Listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook can help distract you from the sounds of dental tools and keep your mind focused on something enjoyable. Choose something that helps you feel relaxed or happy. Dr. Shulman’s team will make sure you’re comfortable wearing headphones throughout your visit.
Ask Questions
Sometimes, fear comes from not knowing what to expect. Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Shulman or his team about any part of your treatment. They’ll explain each step clearly so you can feel more in control and at ease.
Ask for an Office Tour
If you’re new to our office or haven’t been to the dentist in a while, ask for a quick tour before your appointment. Seeing the treatment rooms, meeting the team, and learning about the technology we use can help you feel more comfortable. You can feel more confident when you’re more familiar with the environment.
Tackle Dental Anxiety At Our Office
We can offer you the solution you need so that you can get dental care in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Call us at (215) 392-4244. You can also schedule an appointment with us online. Let us know if you have questions about treatment. We’re here to help.