Your Comfort is Our Priority
Fear of the dentist is very real for many patients. 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 the concerns of our patients. Our compassionate team works together to ensure our patients enjoy their dentist office experience. We try our best to make it as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Our dental office offers complete dental services in a welcoming, clean, state of the art dentist office for patients who suffer from dental anxiety in Philadelphia, PA. Patients are able to get the care they need without the fear of the dentist. Whether you’re having cosmetic treatment done or regular dental hygiene, our team always has your comfort in mind.
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 able to relax during your treatment. Dr. Weinstock will need to determine which form of dental sedation will work best for you.
About Nitrous Oxide
We offer nitrous oxide as an effective and safe method of sedation. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe and effective sedative agent to help patients relax during dental treatments.
To administer it, we will place a mask over your mouth and you will inhale the gas along with oxygen during the entire appointment. Almost immediately you will feel a calm, almost in a euphoric state. Nitrous oxide can help reduce anxiety which will allow patients to relax and remain calm during the entire appointment. This will also make you feel less pain and less sensitive.
As soon as the mask is placed on your face and you begin inhaling the game, theses effects will take immediate effect. As soon as the dentist is done, the mask will be removed 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 explain how it work works. Preparing for treatment and knowing what to expect can also help with your fear and anxiety.
Sterilization & Infection Control
As health care professionals, we are concerned for your health and safety, as well as our own. Therefore, we take precise steps to prevent the spread of germs. We do so by sterilizing all of our dental tools, disinfecting surfaces, and wearing protective clothing. You are receiving the finest care in a safe and healthy environment.
Infection controls and universal precautions protect patients and staff alike. The cornerstone of a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with your dentist and receive an honest answer.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
Dental anxiety can prevent you from receiving the dental care you need. If you have questions about how we can help you, please contact us. Our dental practice gladly treats patients who suffer from dental anxiety. Read through our frequently asked questions about dental anxiety to learn more.
Is Dental Anxiety Common?
Dental Anxiety is very common. The Journal of the American Dental Association reports that almost 75% of Americans feel or have felt a form of dental anxiety. At least 5% of people report their feelings as being so serious that they consider going to the dentist a phobia. People who have had a bad or stressful past experience tend to suffer from some form of dental anxiety. For some reason or another, this idea that the dentist is something to be feared has become ingrained in a large part of us.
What Are the Symptoms and Signs of Dental Anxiety?
Some signs that a patient may have dental anxiety are feeling sick when thinking about going to the dentist, having problems sleeping the night before a dental appointment, nervous feeling before an appointment, and panicking and stressing before going to the dentist.
If you are dealing with any of these, you may have dental anxiety. If the problem is persistent, it is a good idea to make your dentist aware of how you are feeling. Always remember that statistically, the majority of patients struggle with the same feelings, so we know how to help calm your nerves and make the visit as pleasant as possible.
Will sedation dentistry cure my dental anxiety?
Sedation is a great tool for patients who suffer from dental anxiety. We can sedate patients who struggle with severe dental anxiety for procedures to make the experience less stressful for them. The hope with this tactic is that over time patients will lose their fear of the dentist, and be able to undergo an appointment or procedure without sedation.
Is nitrous oxide safe to use for dental anxiety?
Nitrous oxide is considered a safe option when administered by trained professionals. Dental professional have been using it for decades. It offers sedative effects that are mild allowing patients remain conscious and responsive during their dental appointment. The gas is easily adjustable, making it safe for different individuals and procedures.
Nitrous oxide is also quickly eliminated from the body after the mask is removed, allowing patients to resume normal activities without side effects. 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. However, modern dental techniques have significantly reduced the discomfort associated with these procedures, making them much less painful than in the past.
Why Visit our Dentist in Philadelphia, PA?
Dr. Weinstock encourages patients to visit our Philadelphia, PA, dentist office at least twice a year for regular oral hygiene check-ups and teeth cleanings. Preventative dental care can help patients avoid the need for more advanced restorative or cosmetic dental procedures. Preventative oral check-ups can help catch the development of dental concerns in the earliest stages of conservative and effective treatment.