Anxious Patients
We strive to make our dental practice an anxiety-free zone!
We understand that for many people dental anxiety or fear of the dentist can prevent them from receiving the care they want and need. With this in mind, Dr. Freelander and Dr. Tsang have developed an innovative approach to reducing anxiety and increasing comfort in our Wahroonga dental practice.
Sedation Options offered for anxious patients
- Penthrox
- “Happy” gas, otherwise known as Nitrous Oxide
- Oral Valium sedation
- Topical anaesthetic
- Advanced anaesthesia techniques
- Relaxation therapies
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
We have invested in state-of-the-art dental technology to provide minimally invasive treatments that maximise the results we can achieve. If you have delayed seeking dental treatment for years due to fear or anxiety, Wahroonga Family Dental Centre may be an ideal choice for you. Our friendly team are more than happy to answer any of your queries or concerns before, during or after your dental treatment.
Why are people afraid of the dentist?
What causes dental anxiety?
A Fear of pain:
Some patients associate visiting the dentist with pain, especially when they see or hear dental tools. This could stem from a previous unpleasant experience, pain in their own teeth, or hearing from others who may have experienced some sort of pain at the dentist. Modern dentistry seeks to minimise the pain and discomfort of dentistry and thankfully, dental techniques are less invasive and painful than their older counterparts. Tools are smaller and more efficient and the use of anaesthesia and sedation dentistry in many procedures eliminates any pain at all.
Fear of embarrassment and loss of personal space:
Due to the proximity of the dentist during dental procedures, some patients experience discomfort and anxiety due to a loss of personal space. Tools in their mouth can also contribute to a feeling of suffocation.
Some patients may feel embarrassment or shame about the condition of their teeth, especially if dental anxiety has stopped them from going to the dentist for a long time and their teeth may be damaged.
If you feel this way, it is important to keep in mind that your dentist is a professional, who sees many different mouths every day! They are there to help you to have the healthiest mouth that you can possibly have and will never judge you on the condition of your gums and teeth. Instead, they will encourage good oral hygiene habits, guide you on a treatment and support you throughout the process.
Fear of a lack of control:
Lying passively in a dental chair can evoke a feeling of having a lack of control of a situation and feelings of anxiety. Some patients feel overwhelmed having tools in their mouth while being unable to see what is going on. This situation can be associated with feelings of hopelessness, a lack of control, being trapped or suffocation.
Fear of past experiences:
As with many anxieties or phobias, a fear of the dentist may be the result of a negative past experience. This might include significant tooth pain leading up to an appointment, a painful treatment, a stressful experience or procedure complications. It is important to tell your dentist about your experiences and what you think could be triggering your anxiety, so they can work alongside you to help you to feel more comfortable and reassured. Modern dentistry can greatly minimise pain and discomfort and doesn’t have to be the ordeal that it might seem!
What should I do if I’m scared of the dentist?
Our team is happy to walk you through the whole process
Sometimes, we find that establishing a stop signal (such as raising a hand) so as that you have some control over the situation and an escape if you are feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed. Taking a breath, rinsing out your mouth or having a small break is sometimes all you might need to feel calmer in the dental chair and to feel in control.
Why not bring a family member?
You may want to bring a friend or family member along to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable and to make the clinical environment seem a little more familiar. You also may want to do something that makes you feel calm while you wait, like listen to your favourite artist, draw or read. We recommend booking your appointment at the earliest possible time of day, so there won’t be a long lead up and so you won’t dwell on it.