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 smell of a dentist office. The longer you wait to face your fear, the worse your dental health will get. Avoiding the dentist due to your dental anxiety can lead to many dental concerns including:
- Tooth decay
- Plaque build-up
- Periodontal disease
- Early tooth loss
- Damaged teeth
- Yellow or stained teeth
- Serious issue including 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 do not realize is visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be painful or stressful.
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 optimal 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 will work with you on an individual basis to help you feel calm, relaxed, and confident when receiving the dental care you need or desire.
Solutions for Dental Anxiety in Charleston
West Ashley Family Dentistry offers dental sedation, making it easy to be 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 is easily administered through the nose and does not require the use of a needle.
This gas is also completely odorless so it is easily handled by the patients. Laughing gas has the added benefit of immediately taking effect and wearing off, making it possible for you to drive yourself to and from your appointment. It is utilized often for patients suffering from dental anxiety and is completely safe.
Sedation dentistry can enable you to get back a smile that supports your best quality of life and gives you the confidence to share it with others. Neglecting your dental health can lead to complex problems, including tooth loss, that can affect your ability to speak and eat normally. If you have anxiety or fear when it comes to visiting the dentist office, come in for a visit with Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn and experience the benefits of personalized, compassionate care.
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.