Although I am a dentist, it’s understandable why people often feel afraid when visiting the dentist’s office. Apart from feeling vulnerable in the chair, the sights and sounds can be problematic for many individuals. However, when dental phobia causes patients to avoid appointments, things can become dangerous, resulting in gum disease, cavities, and infection. Since harmful bacteria can quickly spread from the mouth to the rest of the body, including the brain and heart, it’s essential that regular dental care be provided.
Finding a dentist you can trust and who can sympathize with your uncertainty and anxiety is important for helping you remain at ease during your appointment. It will also be a significant benefit to your oral and mental health. Here is what I recommend as you search for a dentist near you.
Ask About Dental Sedation
At Jacksonville Dental Excellence, I offer oral conscious sedation, which is a pill medication that I prescribe to patients in need. Often considered a moderate, middle-of-the-road option, it’s great for anyone who dislikes needles or struggles with nasal masks, which are commonly used for those receiving nitrous oxide. Oral conscious sedation dulls pain and other sensations, creating a deeper state of relaxation. You might also experience a foggy memory, so you don’t have to worry about recalling much, or any, of your visit. Many of my patients believe it to be a comfortable and satisfying way to receive essential dental care.
There are other options for dental sedation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV.
With nitrous oxide, you inhale a colorless, odorless gas through a nasal mask. Its effects are mild but come on quickly. They also dissipate just as fast, allowing you to resume normal activity after your appointment. You only need to wait about five minutes after treatment before you can drive.
IV sedation is a stronger option that is administered through a needle. You will feel groggy and as if you are going to fall asleep, but you will remain aware enough to respond to any cues that my team or I provide.
Regardless of whether a dentist offers one or all three types of sedation, you must discuss your medical history and medications beforehand. Some medicines do not interact well with sedation, and if you have a respiratory condition, you may be ineligible for nitrous oxide.
Read What Others Have to Say
Patient reviews are among the clearest indicators of whether you should schedule an appointment. Here, you can learn more about a dentist’s personality without an actual meet-and-greet. You will also discover how they interact with their patients, so it’s best to visit multiple review sites, if possible, to see how the ratings compare across different platforms. You can often check Google and Yelp. If you see that the dentist receives a lot of praise in multiple places, they are likely highly skilled and compassionate.
Benefits of a Small Dental Office
Although large dental offices with multiple dentists and staff offer a wider range of services and fewer referrals, in my experience, most patients feel less anxious in smaller offices. With a more concierge or boutique feel, they often feel less rushed, more heard, and receive personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
Of course, it’s also possible that an individual with dental phobia could feel happy and at ease at a large dental office. What is most important is that you feel at home wherever you go.
If you’re afraid of the dentist, making an appointment over the phone can be problematic to say the least. However, the more positive experiences you have, the easier it will be for you to pursue proper care in the future. By keeping these three considerations in mind, you should be able to find someone caring and compassionate who will happily accommodate you.
If you are in the Jacksonville area and you are still struggling to find the right place to call home, let me know. My team and I would be happy to welcome you and take exceptional care of you and your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Johnson is a skilled dentist with more than 1,000 hours of advanced clinical training. He earned his dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Since that time, he and his wife Rose, who is also a dentist at Jacksonville Dental Excellence, have built a practice that offers superior, compassionate, and comfortable dentistry. With a judgment-free approach, we provide an uplifting and positive experience for everyone who walks through our doors. If you’re ready to find a dentist you can trust, contact us at (904) 895-4536 to schedule an appointment.