The How-to Guide to Beating Dental Anxiety [Blog]

Are you worried about going to the dentist? Does the thought of sitting in that chair cause fear and anxiety to well up inside you? Don’t be afraid. Beck Dental Care in Columbia, TN has been helping people just like you for over 40 years now. Helping our patients manage and even beat their dental anxiety is something we have gotten very good at over the years.

Our experienced dental team is able to make sure you feel at ease while you are getting your needed dental treatment. Regardless of the current state of your smile, regular dental care is an absolute must, and we will help you get it in comfort. Call our office today at (931) 388-8452 to talk to a member of our caring dental staff and find out how we can take the fear out of your dental care.  

Fast Facts About Dental Anxiety

Here are some quick facts about

dental anxiety

that may help you put your situation into perspective:

• You’re Not Alone –

  There are more people than you may think suffering from the same anxiety you have. In fact, the number is estimated to be between 30 and 40 million. Even on the low end, that is more than the populations of the top 10 cities in the U.S. combined.

• Common Causes of Anxiety –

  There are four main causes of dental anxiety:

1. Fear of Pain
2. Helpless Feeling in the Dental Chair
3. Embarrassed by the State of Their Smile
4. Bad Past Experiences at the Dentist

• Ranges of Dental Fear –

  There are varying degrees of dental anxiety, and while the dental team at Beck Dental Care is sensitive to all of them, the most concerning to us are the severe cases. That’s because these people will neglect their smile before seeking treatment, not realizing there is help.

How to Beat Dental Anxiety

Beck Dental Care has a simple three-step method to help you address your dental anxiety and gain control over it.

• Figure Out the Source –

  Was it a bad experience when you were a child? Did you feel pain but the dentist did not listen to you? Do you feel panicked when you are in the dental chair because you expect a guilt trip? Wherever your fear comes from, find it.

• Talk to Someone –

  Once you figure out where the fear comes from, talk to someone you trust about it, like one of our staff. Make sure it’s someone who doesn’t suffer from dental anxiety themselves. That would be like celebrating your getting in shape with a trip to a buffet.

• Get to the Dental Office –

  The final step in the process is to go to the dentist – even if it is just to talk about your dental fear. Our dental team has seen every kind of person come into our office. We can help you, too. We will explain the procedures, talk about how they have changed since the last time you were in the dental chair, offer a longer appointment, and reassure you about how we can improve your smile, no matter its condition.

Dental Sedation Can Help

Beck Dental Care has practical tools to help you, from comfort options like blankets to modern technology that makes diagnosis and treatment much more comfortable than in days past.

Dental sedation

is also a great way to take the edge off your nerves and make getting a better, beautiful smile possible.

• Nitrous Oxide –

  This is a light, inhaled sedative that will take the scare out of your dental care. You will remain conscious but calm for the treatment, and the sedative wears off fast following your procedure. This way, you can drive yourself to and from your appointment.

• Oral Sedation –

  Oral sedation is a pill. You need to show up about an hour before your appointment to take the medication and let it work its way into your system. This is a heavier form of sedation than nitrous; you may doze off but will not totally fall asleep. You will need some time following your treatment for the medication to filter through your system, so get someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment.

• IV Sedation –

  If you just want the work done and absolutely no memory of it, IV sedation is for you. You will fall asleep during your procedure and will not feel a thing. You will feel the effects of the sedation for several hours after you wake up, so again, a ride home is needed.

Let Beck Dental Care Help You Get and Keep a Healthy Smile

Call us today at (931) 388-8452 to find out how we can help you manage your dental anxiety and take better care of your smile. You can use our

online form

to schedule your appointment as well. The caring team at Beck Dental Care will make sure you are calm, comfortable, and collected during your dentist appointment.