Dental anxiety and fear of the dentist can be a debilitating condition that stops our patients from getting the dental care they need to keep their smile healthy. Patients who avoid visiting the dentist in Tulsa OK because of dental anxiety are more likely to have a complex dental problem because they aren’t getting the care they need.
Having complex dental issues means that our patients may have to undergo a more advanced treatment to restore their smile. The best way to avoid the development of complex dental problems is to practice an excellent oral hygiene routine and schedule routine visits to the dentist.
At Henrich Dental in Tulsa, OK, Dr. Frank Henrich understands that each patient is different. He and our dental care team create an environment where our patients can remain stress-free and comfortable. Depending on your needs, Dr. Henrich may suggest sedation dentistry as a solution to help you feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe during a much-needed or desired dental treatment. With the use of sedation dentistry, Dr. Henrich can perform multiple procedures while you remain relaxed and comfortable.
Sedation dentistry can enable anxious and fearful patients to repair their tooth damage, restore their missing teeth or achieve a smile makeover with little stress.
How to Combat Dental Anxiety in Tulsa, OK at Henrich Dental
Each patient’s dental fear can stem from different factors. Factors like fear of control, fear of pain, past experiences, and fear of needles can have an effect on your mind. Dr. Henrich and his dental care team work with each patient on an individual basis to determine the cause of their dental anxiety. We will create an environment based on your needs that is not only safe but also comfortable.
We offer solutions to help combat your dental anxieties and get you the treatments that you need. Sedation dentistry can be a practical option for patients who suffer from dental anxiety, have an active gag reflex, or need advanced treatment.
Sedation dentistry is also a valuable solution for children who have trouble staying still during treatment. Our goal is to provide a safe, relaxed environment for each of our patients. We will ensure that you get the dental treatment you need to improve your smile.
We offer IV sedation, conscious sedation, and needle-free sedation. However, not every sedation option is right for every patient. During your visit, Dr. Henrich will evaluate your overall health and find the best sedation option for you. Dr. Henrich takes pride in providing a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
Read answers to common questions about dental anxiety in Tulsa, OK:
How do I cope with dental anxiety?
The best way to cope with dental anxiety is to communicate with your dentist. Expressing any concerns you may have is a great way to ensure that you and your dentist are on the same page. Our dentist has options to make you more comfortable during your visit.
Deep breathing exercises and listening to calming music are also good ways to calm your nerves while at the dentist. Let us know how you feel so that we can make adjustments to help you feel more comfortable during your visit.
You can also prepare yourself mentally. Give yourself time to mentally prepare ahead of time. You can make a checklist of the steps leading up to the appointment to help organize and focus your mind. You can also ask questions about your dental procedure so you can understand what will happen.
We know that it’s easier said than done, but stay positive! Focus on the positive aspects of the visit and how your oral health will improve.
Should I tell my dentist that I have anxiety?
Yes, it’s a great idea to communicate with your dentist if thinking about dental visits and procedures causes you anxiety. If you take oral anxiety medication, you should tell our dentist before your appointment. Telling us about your medications will ensure that we do not give you any medications that may negatively interact with what you are already taking.
How common is fear of dentists?
At least one-third of the population experiences anxiety before going to the dentist. Of this statistic 3-4% of people have dentophobia, or extreme fear of the dentist. If you struggle with dental anxiety of dentophobia, you are not alone. Our dentist has options to make you more comfortable throughout your visits.
What do I do if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?
If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, don’t worry. Let our dentist know how long it’s been since your last visit. He won’t judge you and he’s here to help. Telling him about any pain or concerns will help them create the best plan for your care.
At your first visit, Dr. Henrich will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth. He may also take X-rays to check for hidden problems and determine what treatments you might need. If you need more than a checkup, Dr. Henrich will also help you make a plan.
Once you’ve had your first visit, we will help keep you on track so you can see Dr. Henrich every six months. Regular check-ups can catch small problems before they become big ones.
Is sedation right for me?
If going to the dentist makes you nervous or scared, sedation dentistry could be a good option. Sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed during dental visits so you can get the care you need without stress.
Dental sedation is also safe. We will review your allergies, medications, and health conditions before treatment. Our office will only recommend the right type of sedation for you. For example, we will not recommend deep sedation if you have breathing problems or sleep apnea.
Treat Dental Fear
Contact Henrich Dental in Tulsa, OK, if you have dental fear or haven’t visited the dentist in years. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to get the dental care you need. Call (918) 262-4731 or request an appointment online.
Dr. Henrich is a highly-trained dentist that provides compassionate and patient-focused dental care. We offer dental services to help you maintain a healthy, functional smile.