What if I'm scared I'll feel pain during the procedure?
First and foremost, one of the most common things patients bring up to me as we're about to start work is that they're scared they're going to feel pain during the procedure. There are a lot of steps we take to make sure you're comfortable while we're working. Before we start any work, you're given numbing jelly and then numbing medication so that the tooth is numb while we work.
We also take a very comfort-first approach. What that means is that when we're working, if you feel anything, you raise your hand, we stop, and we address the situation before we proceed with the work. That's going to help you feel in control and comfortable throughout the procedure. I think when you feel like you're not being heard or someone isn't understanding your pain, it can feel like, "Oh my goodness, now what? I have to finish this, right?" We're always listening and checking in with you to make sure you're comfortable while you're getting your work done.
What if I have dental anxiety before the appointment?
Many patients experience dental anxiety even leading up to the appointment. It may not necessarily have to do with being present here. There are a lot of things we can do to try to help with that. First, just talk to us when you come in. When you let us know, "Hey, this is what I experience. These are the things that keep me from getting my work done," we can start addressing those concerns, whether that's by talking through them or partnering with your medical doctor to determine if there are any anxiety medications that may help you feel calm and present for your appointment.
In addition to some of the measures we can take before the appointment, we can also help increase your comfort during the visit. We have noise-canceling headphones, a TV, and a blanket. We try to make you as cozy and calm as possible while you're getting your work done so that you can feel comfortable.
What if I've been avoiding the dentist and feel embarrassed?
Sometimes I find that the fear and anxiety of going to the dentist actually keep people from going at all. Then, all of a sudden, you realize, "Okay, it's been so long since I've been, and now I have to go." Now it's not only fear and anxiety, but some patients are also embarrassed because they don't know what they're going to hear. They may be embarrassed or scared about the news they're going to receive.
Really, the first thing I'd like to say is that if it's been a while, or even if it hasn't, and it's taken you a lot of effort to get through the door, congratulations. You definitely are not alone. People are going through all sorts of struggles, and they show up here. That is the first step because it's better late than never.
No matter what we find or what's going on, whether it's something or nothing, we're here to help you. There's no judgment. We encounter all sorts of things, and we have a whole team of very empathetic providers and support staff. Everyone wants to make sure that when a patient gets through the door and needs help, that's exactly what they receive. There's no judgment or embarrassment around it. We're just really proud of you for getting over that barrier and showing up here.
What if I'm afraid of the needle or the shot?
Patients are also commonly concerned about the needle and getting the initial shot for their dental work. Will it hurt? What will it feel like? We take a lot of measures to make that part of the experience comfortable for you because we want the rest of the appointment to go well.
Before we give the anesthetic, we use a strong numbing jelly. It's going to numb the gums around the area where we're about to give the anesthetic so that you feel minimal discomfort. In addition to that, all the providers and assistants are trained in techniques that can help make the numbing experience as smooth as possible. We'll check in with you and do what we can to keep you comfortable while you're getting numb.
If you're ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we'd love to hear from you. Call us at (847) 780-2114 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.
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