Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is totally normal and is experienced by a large portion of the population. Some individuals even avoid the dentist all together because of their dental anxiety. At Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry, we do our best to make each patient feel comfortable, so your oral health is never compromised! If you are one of the several individuals that face apprehension before a dental appointment, see if our tips on Overcoming Dental Anxiety can help bring you comfort.

While it may seem like the easiest option, avoiding the dentist can cause a myriad of oral health issues. For example, skipping routine checkups can cause:

Let us know about your dental anxiety

Don’t worry, dental anxiety is totally normal, and you won’t offend your dentist if you tell them about your anxiety. The best thing to do if you have dental anxiety is to let us know. Dr. Hayley Cox can help you feel more comfortable, but only if they are aware of your fears. Call us before coming into the office to let us know about your anxiety and we will make sure we have everything in place for your ultimate comfort. We care about your oral health and about your emotional experience throughout the appointment.

Bring a friend or family member with you

You will feel more relaxed knowing a family member or friend is waiting in the lobby for you. We want you to bring along a friend to your appointment if it means you’ll feel more relaxed during your visit. This is an easy way to alleviate some of your dental anxiety.

Ask us for comfort options

Feel free to ask Dr. Hayley Cox or any of our staff members for external comfort options. We can provide headphones, a cozy blanket or even your favorite t.v. show.

Ask us for proper numbing and sedation options

We can provide you with an oral sedative or nitrous oxide to help ease your mind during the appointment. Make sure you let us know if you prefer one of these sedation options so we can properly set the appointment up and make sure enough time is allotted for your appointment.

Tell your dentist if you feel any pain

Your comfort is our number one priority. If you feel any pain or discomfort at any point during your appointment, let us know! There is no reason to be embarrassed! It is our job to make sure you don’t experience any pain during your appointment.

Take breaks throughout your appointment

Some patients find it helpful to take periodic breaks throughout their appointments. If you think taking breaks throughout will help ease your stress, simply let us know so when you schedule your appointment. Our team will make sure you get a break whenever you need!

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask any and every question you can think of during your appointment. If you would like, Dr. Hayley Cox can explain any step of the dental process to you. Understanding what is happening during your visit can help ease your dental anxiety.

Make your next appointment before you leave the office

If you make your next appointment before you leave the dental office, you are much more likely to show up again. Sometimes calling to make a new appointment can bring about more anxiety, so avoid that step by scheduling your next visit before you leave.

Our office believes that preventative care is imperative to good oral hygiene. We want each of our patients to have a positive experience, and we will do whatever we can to help provide that!

Call us today or schedule online if you are ready for your first appointment. We can’t wait to add you to our dental family!