Your Comfort is Our Priority
Many patients fear the dentist, and many Americans avoid getting the dental care they need due to dental anxiety. Dr. David Weinstock and our entire dental care team take the time to understand our patients’ concerns. Our compassionate team works together to ensure our patients enjoy their experience at our dental office. We try our best to make it as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
Our Northeast Philadelphia dental office offers treatment for patients with dental anxiety. Patients can get the care they need without fear of the dentist. Whether you’re having cosmetic treatment or regular dental hygiene, our team always has your comfort in mind.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
Many people suffer from dental anxiety. However, the reasons for this will be different for each patient. These fears about going to a dentist’s office can lead to worse dental problems over time. The common reasons our patients have dental anxiety include:
- Fear of pain during dental work
- Bad experiences at the dentist in the past
- Feeling embarrassed about the condition of your teeth
- Not liking someone being so close to your face
- Worry about the side effects of numbing shots
- Feeling like you’re not in control while in the dental chair
- Fear of needles or drills
- Scary stories about dentists from friends or family
- General anxiety that gets worse at the dentist
- Feeling trapped or unable to breathe during treatment
You Are Not Alone, and We Do Not Judge
If you are reading this, you may have a “neglected mouth” or have avoided the dentist for years out of fear or shame. Please know that you are not alone, and you are in a safe space. We see patients every day who have felt the same way.
Dr. Weinstock and our entire team are committed to providing a completely judgment-free environment. We will not lecture you or make you feel bad about the past. Your story is your own, and we are here to listen, understand, and help you move forward.
We believe in empowering you with choice. You control the pace of your care. We will explain everything in plain language and present you with options, not commands. Whether you need a simple cleaning or a full-mouth reconstruction, we will create a plan that respects your fears and fits your life. There is a path forward, and we would be honored to walk it with you.
The Impact Dental Anxiety Will Have On Your Oral Health
Dental anxiety can keep you from visiting your dentist regularly. People with severe oral pain or other dental issues will avoid the dentist.
Fear of the dentist leads millions of people to skip regular check-ups, allowing minor issues to become bigger ones. Without treatment, cavities, gum disease, and infections will get worse. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, pain, and more.
Avoiding the dentist because of anxiety can also affect your overall health. Gum disease has links to heart problems and other serious health issues.
The longer you wait, the more complex and costly the treatments. Talk to your dentist about your fears. We have experience helping patients stay calm during dental care.
Sedation Dentistry in Philadelphia
If you have severe dental anxiety or need more complex restorative work done, Dr. Weinstock may suggest sedation dentistry. This will allow you to feel calm and relaxed during your treatment. Dr. Weinstock must determine which dental sedation will work best for you.
Nitrous Oxide
We offer nitrous oxide as an effective and safe method of sedation. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a safe and effective sedative agent to help patients relax during dental treatments.
We administer it by placing a mask over your mouth. You’ll breathe in a mix of the gas and oxygen throughout your appointment.
Almost immediately, you will feel calm, almost euphoric. Nitrous oxide can help reduce anxiety, allowing patients to relax and remain calm during the entire appointment. This will also make you feel less pain and less sensitive.
When we place the mask on your face and you begin inhaling the gas, these effects will take immediate effect. As soon as the dentist finishes, we remove the mask, and the effects will wear off right away.
This allows you to drive yourself to and from your dentist appointment. Before treatment, we will take the time to explain how it works. Preparing for treatment and knowing what to expect can also help with your fear and anxiety.
Patient Review
Dental Anxiety FAQs
Dental anxiety can prevent you from receiving the dental care you need. Please contact us if you have questions about how we can help you. Our dental practice gladly treats patients with dental anxiety. Read through our frequently asked questions about dental anxiety to learn more.
Is dental anxiety common?
Dental Anxiety is very common. Studies show that nearly 75% of Americans feel dental anxiety, and at least 5% have a serious dental phobia.
People who have had a bad or stressful experience tend to suffer from some form of dental anxiety. Many of us have grown to fear the dentist for one reason or another.
What are the symptoms and signs of dental anxiety?
Common signs of dental anxiety are nausea before an appointment, trouble sleeping, nervousness, or panic.
If you are dealing with any of these, you may have dental anxiety. If the problem persists, it is a good idea to tell your dentist how you are feeling. Usually, most people share these feelings. We understand and are here to help calm your nerves and ensure a comfortable visit.
Will sedation dentistry cure my dental anxiety?
Sedation is a great tool for patients who suffer from dental anxiety. For patients with severe dental anxiety, we provide sedation to reduce stress during procedures. The long-term aim is to help them overcome their fear and be able to attend appointments without sedation.
Is nitrous oxide safe to use for dental anxiety?
Nitrous oxide is a safe option when administered by trained professionals. Dental professionals have been using it for decades. It offers mild sedative effects, allowing patients to remain conscious and responsive during their dental appointment. The gas is easily adjustable, making it safe for individuals and procedures.
The effects of nitrous oxide fade quickly once the mask is off. This means you can go back to your regular activities almost immediately. Proper administration and monitoring ensure its safety during dental treatments.
Do dentists judge you for having bad teeth?
No, dentists don’t judge you for having bad teeth. Our job is to help you improve your oral health, not to criticize or judge. We understand that many factors, like genetics, access to care, and health conditions, can affect your teeth.
We also focus on providing solutions and helping you achieve a healthier smile, no matter your starting point. If you’re concerned about your teeth, rest assured that we are here to support you, not to judge you.
What is the most feared dental procedure?
Many patients consider root canal therapy the most feared dental procedure. This is mainly due to outdated misconceptions about pain. Additionally, tooth extractions and oral surgeries also rank high in causing dental anxiety.
Local anesthetic injections are another common source of dental fear. Today’s dental techniques have greatly reduced the discomfort of these procedures, so they are much less painful than in the past.
Visit Your Judgment-free Dentist in Philadelphia, PA
We recommend visiting our Philadelphia, PA, dental office at least twice a year for a check-up and gentle cleaning. Preventive dental care can help patients avoid the need for more advanced restorative or cosmetic dental procedures. Routine dental check-ups can catch problems early, allowing for simpler and more effective treatment. Call (215) 857-8054 today or request an appointment online anytime.