What is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety, fear of the dentist, or dental phobia is the feeling of dread, nervousness, or a genuine fear of getting dental work done. In many instances, dental anxiety stems from one or more painful and/or uncomfortable experiences at the dentist. Severe dental anxiety or dental phobia can result in irrational fear and cause complete avoidance of visiting the dentist.
Some people might also avoid visiting the dentist because they find sitting for long periods uncomfortable, they have oversensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex or a fear of needles or loud noises.
Ways We Keep our Patients Dental Anxiety-Free
If anything is keeping you from visiting the dentist, we want you to know that we offer a wide range of solutions to help you feel comfortable during your visit with us. Please let us know what we can do to help you stay comfortable and relaxed.
Some of the ways we help keep our patients relaxed and anxiety-free include the following.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
We understand that loud noises can be a trigger for those with anxiety. Therefore, we offer noise-canceling headphones for patients to wear for the duration of their treatment. Sit back and relax while listening to your favorite music while we take care of your teeth.
TV Monitors on Wall and Ceiling
Keeping yourself distracted during your appointment is a great way to stay anxiety-free. We have TV monitors on the wall and ceiling so you can watch your favorite TV shows and stay distracted throughout your entire appointment, no matter what position you’re sitting in.
NuCalm
NuCalm is a drug-free relaxation system. The system helps you achieve a state of deep relaxation by using a combination of therapies, essential oils, micro-current stimulation, music, and an eye mask or light-canceling glasses. The combination of therapies will help you drift into deep relaxation. The NuCalm system won’t just help you feel relaxed, you will also feel refreshed after your dental appointment like you just took the best nap of your life.
Diffusers for Scent
Sometimes the smells in dental offices can trigger dental anxiety. This is why we use diffusers throughout our office to give the air a fresh scent—not the traditional dental office smell you’re used to.
Long Appointments
We never want you to feel like your appointment is rushed. We schedule longer appointment timeframes so that you receive our complete undivided attention throughout your appointment. This also gives us extra time to give you any needed breaks or to answers all your questions. We want you to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
Private Operatories
Hearing or seeing another patient getting a procedure can also cause anxiety which is why we have all private operatories for our patients. You won’t be aware of anything that’s happening outside of your own private room so you can focus on your appointment, not the appointment of someone else.
Anything Else You Might Need
If there is anything else you need to feel comfortable and relaxed, like a break in our relaxation room, where we have massage chairs, a quick step outside, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We want to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
Experience Anxiety-Free Dental Appointments in Woburn and Winchester, MA Area
You don’t have to skip appointments with the dentist because you feel anxious. Our team at Divine Smiles is committed to helping patients feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed during every appointment. Contact our Woburn dental office to experience an anxiety-free dental appointment. Call us at (781) 396-8558 today to book your appointment.
