The reason people are afraid of going to the dentist is different from person to person. Dental anxiety can be triggered by many things. Some people suffer from a lifetime of fear because of a bad childhood experience going to the dentist.
Others may suffer from a general fear of doctors, pain, needles, and the typical sounds and smells of a dentist’s office. The longer you wait to face your fear, the worse your dental health will get.
Charleston dentists Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn offer compassionate oral health care to help patients restore a healthy, functional smile and enjoy the lasting benefits of good dental health. We welcome patients who feel embarrassed by the condition of their smile, or who have avoided the dentist for many years out of fear. We’ll work with you so you feel calm, relaxed, and confident when you get the dental care you need.
Why Should I Address My Dental Fear?
Avoiding the dentist due to your dental anxiety can lead to many dental concerns:
- Tooth decay
- Plaque build-up
- Periodontal disease
- Early tooth loss
- Damaged teeth
- Yellow or stained teeth
- Serious issues like heart disease and diabetes from bad oral hygiene
Dental anxiety is the reason many people skip their regular dental visits every year. This is a known cause of poor oral health for many patients. What many people don’t realize is dental visits don’t have to be painful or stressful.
Solutions for Dental Anxiety in Charleston, SC
West Ashley Family Dentistry offers dental sedation so you can feel completely relaxed while in the dentist chair. We offer “laughing gas”, which can enable you to be alert and responsive while feeling no pain throughout your procedure. It doesn’t use needles and is administered through the nose.
This gas is also completely odorless so it is easily handled by the patients. Laughing gas takes effect and wears off immediately so you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. We often use it for patients suffering from dental anxiety and it’s completely safe.
Sedation dentistry can help you get back a smile that supports your best quality of life and give you the confidence to share it with others. Neglecting your dental health can lead to complex problems like tooth loss, that can affect your ability to speak and eat normally.
If you have anxiety or fear when you visit the dentist office, come in for a visit with Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn. We welcome you to experience the benefits of personalized and compassionate care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have anxiety and want to know more about what we can do? We’ll be happy to help. We have answers to common questions about dental anxiety in Charleston, SC.
Is it normal to feel embarrassed about dental anxiety?
Yes, it is completely normal to feel embarrassed about dental anxiety. Many people worry that being nervous or scared makes them seem “weak” or silly, but the truth is that dental anxiety is very common.
Feeling nervous about dental visits doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you. We’re used to patients feeling anxious and want to help make visits as comfortable as possible. Talking openly about your fear can actually make your experience easier and less stressful.
Do dentists judge you for having cavities?
We absolutely don’t judge patients for having cavities. Everyone’s mouth is different, and cavities can happen even with good care. We’re here to help, not criticize. Your dental health is our priority, and we want you to feel comfortable coming in for treatment. We would rather see you in our chair than avoid us out of embarrassment.
What can I do at home to manage dental anxiety before my visit?
You can do several things if you feel nervous before a dental visit. First, we recommend deep breathing exercises to help calm your body and slow your heart rate. Listening to music, a podcast, or anything relaxing can also help distract your mind from worry. Some people find that guided meditation or visualization reduces stress.
It can also help to prepare by writing down your concerns or questions ahead of time. This way, you’ll feel more in control when you arrive. If possible, schedule your appointment at a time of day when you feel the least stressed.
Remember that our office staff and dental team at West Ashley Family Dentistry are here to help you. We welcome you to share your concerns so we can make your visits comfortable.
How common is dentist anxiety?
Dentist anxiety, also called dental fear or dental phobia, is very common. Studies show that about 1 in 2 people feel some level of nervousness about going to the dentist. Around 10–20% of people have a strong fear that can keep them from visiting the dentist regularly. This fear can come from past painful experiences, worries about needles, or even just the sound of dental tools.
The good news is that dentists are trained to help patients feel comfortable. We’ll also recommend ways to reduce your anxiety before you visit our office.
Can I ask for laughing gas at the dentist?
Yes, you can ask for laughing gas (nitrous oxide) during your visit. It’s a safe and effective sedative that helps you relax during dental procedures. Let us know about your anxiety or discomfort, and we can discuss whether laughing gas is a suitable option for you.
What’s the most painful dental procedure?
In our experience, most dental procedures aren’t as painful as people think because we use modern anesthetics. Root canals and wisdom teeth extractions are viewed as painful, but that’s mostly an outdated myth. The real pain usually comes from waiting too long to treat a problem.
Every patient’s pain tolerance differs, but we ensure you’re comfortable during any procedure. We also have sedation options available if you’re concerned about pain.
Schedule An Appointment
If you would like to learn more about how our patient-focused practice and sedation dentistry can help you restore your smile, schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.
We welcome new patients from many local Charleston area communities to our family-friendly dentist office. To make an appointment at West Ashley Family Dentistry, contact us at (843) 371-5480 or request an appointment online.