Dental Anxiety

If you suffer from dental anxiety then the first thing you need to know is that you are not alone. According to some estimates as many as 30-40 million people share a fear of dentists with you. We understand that your symptoms are very real and very discomforting.

• Sweaty Palms
• Quickening Heartbeat
• General Feeling of Fear or Anxiety Before the Appointment
• Postponing Dental Appointments
• Sleeplessness Prior to Appointment
  

The good news is that when you visit a dentist who is sensitive to your anxiety you can work together to turn your dental experience into one that you can live with. No, you will probably never come to enjoy going to the dentist, but you can get to the point where you are comfortable before and during your visits.

Tools to Address Your Dental Anxiety

Dr. Forth and Dr. Bender have many tools at their disposal that will enable you to relax during your appointments. But most importantly, they understand what you are feeling and will work with you

to help minimize the stress of your dental appointment. For mild dental anxiety, nitrous oxide sedation is a popular choice. It's a gas that you breathe during your dental appointment. It relaxes you and strengthens the novocain. It wears off almost immediately, as soon as you discontinue breathing it, so you can drive home or go back to work without any problems.

Where anxiety levels may be a little too high for nitrous oxide, what is known as conscious sedation may be appropriate. In these cases an oral medication such as Valium® or Halcion® may be used, possibly combined with nitrous oxide gas, and you will be so relaxed that you may not even remember your appointment. Click here to read more about sedation dentistry. Dr. Forth is fully trained in sedation dentistry.

The point is, you do not have to suffer your anxiety on your own. Talk with us about it. We will be able to help you feel more comfortable and ease your dental anxiety. Often patients find that once they have a few visits with Dr. Forth under their belt, their anxiety goes away and they tell us they don't need the sedation any more.