Dental Anxiety

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Dental Anxiety at Diggers Rest, Caroline Springs, Hillside, Taylors Lake and Sydenham

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Dental anxiety affects many patients and can strike a sense of fear that is associated with dental treatments. It leads to avoiding the dentist, which can increase the risk for oral health problems like tooth loss and gum disease. Many things can trigger dental anxiety including the office environment or tools like drills or needles. Our team of compassionate dentists at Diggers Rest Dental House understand patient concerns and can help with techniques to help you feel calmer while keeping your treatments as stress-free as possible.

Signs of Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety afflicts both children and adults and can significantly impact on one’s life and health. It can stem from fears including fear of pain and loss of control or may arise from a prior negative dental treatment. It can make one feel anxious yet experience increased pain with dental problems due to lack of treatment and stress. If you experience any of the following signs when thinking about the dentist or going into the office for a dental treatment, you may have dental anxiety:
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Rapid heartbeat and/or palpitations
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Sweating
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Decreased blood pressure and possible light headedness or fainting
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Withdrawal with aggression or uncharacteristic humor to mask anxiety
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Increased, shallow breathing
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Nausea or upset stomach
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Feelings of panic

Our Happy Patient

Grace B.

So incredibly impressed with this place. Such a professional but friendly vibe the staff make such an effort to turn something that can be an anxiety provoking experience into an enjoyable one. Thank you so much for looking after my teeth and smile!

Grace B.

Anyone May Experience Dental Anxiety

Dental Anxiety - Caroline Springs, Hillside, Taylors Lake and Sydenham - Diggers Rest Dental House

Anyone May Experience Dental Anxiety

Children may experience dental anxiety due to current tooth pain or pain during a past dental treatment. They can also pick up cues from other family members who have had negative dental experiences and transfer the anxiety to themselves. Our recommendation for children is to bring them in for their first visit while they are young and before they have any dental problems, so they learn that the dentist is there to help them avoid pain, not create it. If they already had a negative experience, our staff is skilled with children’s dentistry and can help find ways to make their visit a more pleasant one.

Adults suffer from dental anxiety for a number of reasons including past negative experiences or fear of treatment after allowing a dental problem to get worse. The following are common reasons why one may be affected by dental anxiety:

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Negative past dental experience
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Extreme sensitivity of the mouth and teeth
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Pain sensitivity
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Fear of doctors and dentists
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Patients who suffer from General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
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Patients who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Fear of needles
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Fear of enclosed spaces or feeling trapped

Coping Techniques for Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a form of anxiety or extreme stress. In this case, the stress is triggered by the dentist or thoughts of the dentist. There are some things that you can try at home to calm your stress and regain control of your feelings about dental treatments. The following are some at-home techniques to try before your dental visit. In most cases, each of these work best with practice:
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Deep breathing exercises
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Hypnosis
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Meditation
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Herbal remedies
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Music therapy
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Medications

Let the Team of Diggers Rest Dental House Help

Our compassionate team of dental professionals are skilled at providing a positive dental experience for all of our patients, including those with dental anxiety. We incorporate the latest dental tech and treatments that often include little to no pain, and if pain is an issue, we have effective anesthesia to help. The following are some ways that we can help with dental anxiety:

Oral medications

may be provided either before or during your dental treatment to help induce a state of relaxation and calm.

Happy gas

or nitrous oxide, is an easy to administer treatment that takes effect quickly and wears off quickly. Happy gas can help you feel calm and relaxed while the dentist can complete your treatment.

Sedation dentistry

may be used for those with extreme dental anxiety. Conscious sedation may be administered through an IV to induce a very deep state of relaxation yet you will remain awake. In many cases, the patient has no recollection of the treatment afterward, which can be a benefit to calm dental anxiety for future visits.

Sleep dentistry

is the most extreme solution for the most extreme fears or for complicated treatments such as dental implant surgery. You are monitored during the entire treatment for safety and may require a ride home as the effect may take time to wear off.
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Download Price List To Help You Budget

While we agree that you can’t put a price on good health (especially when it comes to your teeth), we understand the reality of family budgets. That’s why we offer flexible treatment options and family-affordable pricing. You might say the only thing average about Dental House is our prices.

Customised Solutions

Our goal is to provide you with a dental treatment and as little stress and discomfort as possible. At the same time, modern dentistry techniques have advanced to the point that many procedures can be performed with little to no pain, and can perform most treatments with minimal levels of sedation. But our trained staff will consider your needs and requirements and will discuss all options with you to ensure you enjoy a positive dental experience.

Children With Dental Anxiety

Dental Anxiety - Caroline Springs, Hillside, Taylors Lake and Sydenham - Diggers Rest Dental House

Children With Dental Anxiety

We do our best to help all patients deal with or overcome dental anxiety and we will do our best to help our young patients, as well. If your child has dental anxiety, let us know ahead of time and discuss any special requests or requirements. The following are some things you can do before your child’s visit to help:
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Practice relaxation techniques with your child before coming in
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Schedule the visit earlier in the day
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Distract your child before and during treatment with a phone or tablet so play games and music
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Allow them to bring a comfort item such as a toy or blanket

Bringing your child in for regular dental checkups and cleanings will help accustom them to the dentist and alleviate future fears. And if you bring them before they have any problems, they will learn the dentist is nothing to fear.

Our Happy Patient

Charmaine D.

Have been coming here for 2 years and nothing but the best service and care. The staff are great with kids who get nervous.

Charmaine D.

Call Today

If you or a member of your family has dental anxiety, we can help. Call today and schedule a dental exam. Let us know about any anxieties, fears or phobias so we can plan accordingly and provide the oral care that you deserve.

Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.

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