Most of us find no joy in going to the dentist. It’s not that we hate going, but let’s be honest, we don’t necessarily love it, either. The truth is that we go because we know it’s good for our smiles and our oral health.
Sadly, for millions of Americans, knowing it’s the best thing for our teeth and gums isn’t enough to help us follow through with our dental appointments. In fact, when you have dental anxiety, you probably make up every possible excuse to avoid the dentist altogether.
Maybe you try to rationalize all those missed appointments by saying to yourself, “It’s no big deal. I’m not in pain, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But believe it or not, skipping routine dental cleanings and exams is a disaster waiting to happen.
That’s why Dr. Gleave, DMD, and all of us in our Salt Lake City dental office are committed to making you feel as comfortable as possible when you visit us. For the sake of your oral and overall health, it’s important to schedule regular appointments with us so you can get the dental care you need for a clean, healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.
So let’s help you let go of your dental anxiety with today’s blog! The first step is trying to understand why you’re so fearful of the dentist.
Let Go Of Dental Anxiety By Understanding The Cause
When we talk about dental anxiety, we’re not talking about the slight nerves that affect almost everyone facing a medical appointment of some kind. It’s totally understandable that most people aren’t filled with joy and excitement as they head to the dentist.
But dental anxiety is a more intense fear of the dentist. It’s when you’re so nervous about your appointment that you make up all sorts of reasons not to go. Then you tell yourself you’ll reschedule, and maybe you do, but the cycle repeats. Before you know it, years have gone by since you last saw the dentist.
What is it that ignites that fear and anxiety when you imagine the dreaded dental chair? Let’s look at some common reasons:
Bad Memories?
Traumatic childhood experiences will no doubt stay with you well into adulthood. That’s why this is probably the most common cause for dental anxiety. If you had a painful dental appointment when you were a kid, why would you want to subject yourself to the same kind of trauma?
Dr. Gleave and our team want you to know that dentistry simply isn’t what it used to be. Thanks to advances in technology and modern medicine, dental care is entirely different than it was in the past. You can get dental treatment now that’s virtually pain-free, and even comfortable, in our Salt Lake City dental office!
Scary Stories?
Even if you’ve never had a bad experience at the dentist’s office, the horror stories shared by people you know can be just as powerful when it comes to instilling fear within you about dental care.
Again, at Rod Gleave, DMD, we’re dedicated to your comfort. Every patient’s experience will differ, but the one thing all our patients here in Salt Lake City can agree on is how our warm, caring team strives to make them feel at ease.
Loss Of Control?
When you face unfamiliar territory, it can be really intimidating. In fact, for those with dental anxiety, the strange sounds and smells you find in a dental office can be downright frightening! That’s why we create a soothing environment where you feel relaxed and cozy with amenities like headphones, TVs, and warm blankets. At Rod Gleave, DMD, you won’t feel at all like you’re in a cold, sterile dental office like the ones you’ve visited in the past.
Let Go Of Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry
Depending on your level of anxiety and the extent of treatment that you need, we can help you find just the right kind of sedation dentistry to help you feel relaxed. You can get much needed dental care without worry or fear by choosing one of our sedation methods:
-Nitrous Oxide
-Oral Sedation
-IV Sedation
It’s amazing what modern medicine can do to help you feel calm and comfortable. Our sedation options are a highly effective way to not only get your oral health back on track, but to give you the courage to keep coming back for the sake of your teeth and gums.
Are you ready to let go of your dental anxiety for good so you can finally have a healthy, beautiful smile? Then let Dr. Gleave and our team help you! Give us a call at (801) 923-6406 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.
