Society’s journey to better understand and manage anxiety has been a positive development of the 21st century. Advances in medicine and psychiatry have provided deeper insights into anxiety and have improved our approaches to managing it effectively. Dental anxiety is particularly common, especially for those who have had negative past experiences. At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that the first step in overcoming dental-related anxiety is to ensure open and compassionate communication with patients so that their initial visit is positive. From here, we work hard to develop long-term relationships built on trust. However, we realize that some patients and circumstances call for additional measures. At our practice, we offer sedation options that help provide a comfortable, relaxing dental experience.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety and dental phobia are barriers to accessing dental care that we work hard to remove.
While dental phobia is less common, it can be severe and debilitating. Both anxiety and fear stem from similar triggers in a dental setting, such as the sound of drills or the sight of needles. These triggers can make routine visits difficult to schedule.
For some patients, the fear arises from a general fear of the unknown, while others may be affected by past negative experiences. These emotional, physical, and behavioral challenges often lead to missed appointments. In fact, 10% of patients with dental anxiety avoid necessary care.
At The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide a wide range of dental treatments and cater our care to each patient’s unique needs.
How We Help You Manage Dental Anxiety
Our goal is to provide high-quality and compassionate dental care. But for patients with dental anxiety, even making an appointment can be a hurdle. Our convenient online contact form lets you take the first step without picking up the phone. After you submit your form, a member of our team will contact you to arrange your appointment. Additionally, our comprehensive website provides educational resources so you can learn more about our services and financing options. We want you to feel comfortable and informed so that uncertainty doesn’t prevent you from getting the treatment you need.
When you visit, you’ll be greeted by a member of our friendly office staff. From the moment you walk in for your appointment, we want you to feel welcome and safe. We work really hard to create a calm and supportive environment for every patient.
Our exceptional doctors are not only highly skilled but also compassionate and understanding of patient fears. They take the time to get to know every patient, listen to their concerns, and explain procedures clearly. By taking a patient-centered approach to dental care, our doctors ensure patients feel comfortable and in control throughout their visit.
Sedation Dentistry Options
While we aim to build a trusting relationship that reduces dental fear, some patients still benefit from additional tools for reducing their anxiety. Whether you need help relaxing for a routine dental filling or a more advanced procedure like root canal treatment or mini dental implants, we have the skills and resources to help.
Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are two of the most common methods for helping patients relax.
- Nitrous oxide, when mixed with air, provides pain relief and mild sedation, generating an immediate feeling of euphoria and calm when inhaled. The colorless “laughing gas” is slightly sweet-smelling and safe for children and adults alike. It’s non-allergenic and doesn’t significantly impact the body’s critical functions. Plus, we can rapidly reduce the effects of the sedative when we’ve completed your procedure. While considered a mild sedative, it’s remarkably effective at instilling calm and reducing dental anxiety.
- Oral conscious sedation involves taking a sedative pill before your procedure, helping you feel comfortable and at ease. As the medication kicks in, you may feel sleepy and notice that the procedure seems to pass quickly! Throughout your treatment, we’ll closely monitor your oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate to ensure your safety. Since oral conscious sedation offers a deeper level of sedation and doesn’t leave your system right away, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
Both sedation options help you relax while keeping you conscious and alert. Although some patients may feel drowsy, the goal is for you to remain able to respond to questions and follow instructions—allowing you to stay in control.
Real Stories: A Patient’s Journey to Overcoming Dental Anxiety
You aren’t just another visitor at The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry—you’re a valued patient with unique needs. Take our patient, Kirk, for example. He avoided dental treatment for many years because he feared the dentist. Fortunately, he gradually overcame that fear and now receives regular care. Here’s his story:
I cannot recommend the excellent services of Dr. Beard and his AMAZING staff enough! When I first visited, it had been MANY YEARS since my last dentist visit. This is because I was one of those people who had a real fear of going to the dentist. But, I was having serious pain and had no choice. Right away, the staff helped me feel at ease. Ghena, Micah, Kayla, Denise, Shelly and everyone else on staff are all so kind and conscientious of your needs. I am sure you will not be able to find a more professional, capable and compassionate dental group anywhere.
I can also tell you that my fear of the dentist is GONE! For the first time in my life, I do not dread going to the dentist. And the work I have had done has been excellent. (By the way, I use nitrous when things get serious and it makes all the difference in the world!). If you are looking for a good (make that great) dentist, look no further. The staff will look after you like you are family, from your first visit, and you will get the best dental care possible.” – Kirk B.
We’re so grateful for our wonderful patient community. Please read their testimonials to learn more about their stories and experiences with our practice.
Experience Compassionate Care in Cleveland, TN
At The Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we want your visit to be exceptional. If you have dental anxiety, you’re not alone. We treat patients like you every day, helping them access the high-quality dental care they need to treat concerns and prevent further issues.
Contact us today, online or by phone, to schedule your visit and experience the difference of patient-centered dental care.
