Have you been putting off going to the dentist because of fear? You’re not alone. Many people feel nervous or anxious when it comes to dental visits. At Hermitage Dental, we treat patients with dental anxiety in our Edmonton, AB office every day. Whether it’s been months or even years since your last dental cleaning, we’re here to help without judgment.
We understand that dental anxiety is a dental concern that can come from many different places. Maybe you had a painful experience as a child. Maybe you’re embarrassed about the condition of your teeth. Or maybe you just don’t like the sounds or smells in a dental office. No matter the reason, we take your feelings seriously and do everything we can to help you feel calm, safe, and comfortable.
Sedation Dentistry for Dental Anxiety
One of the ways we help nervous patients is through sedation dentistry. At Hermitage Dental, we offer oral conscious sedation, which can help you feel deeply relaxed during your visit.
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a small pill before your appointment. This medicine doesn’t put you to sleep. You’ll still be awake and able to talk, but it will help you feel calm, relaxed, and less aware of what’s going on around you. Some people even say they don’t remember much of the appointment afterward, making future visits easier too.
Sedation is a safe and effective option for patients who:
- Have high levels of anxiety
- Need multiple procedures in one visit
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Struggle to sit still for long periods
If you think sedation might help you, just let us know. We’ll review your health history and explain how it works so you feel confident before your appointment.
Tips for Patients with Dental Fear and Anxiety
Follow these tips to reduce dental anxiety in our Edmonton, AB, dental office:
Talk to Us About Your Fears
We are here to help, not to judge. If you’re feeling scared or unsure, please let us know. Sharing your concerns helps us understand your feelings and allows us to adjust your care. Whether you’re afraid of pain, the sound of the dental tools, or feel out of control during treatment, we can work with you.
We can explain each step before it happens, use hand signals to help you feel more in control, or slow things down to give you time to adjust. When we know what’s bothering you, we can help make the experience better.
Bring a Friend or Family Member
Sometimes, having someone you trust by your side can make a big difference. You can bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment. Just having a familiar face in the room or even in the waiting room can help you feel supported and more at ease.
Use Distraction Techniques
You can bring a pair of headphones and listen to your favorite music, a calming playlist, or an audiobook during your visit. Some patients even bring podcasts or meditation tracks. Focusing on something relaxing or interesting can help drown out dental sounds and help you stay calm.
Schedule Morning Appointments
If you feel nervous leading up to your appointment, try to book a time early in the day. That way, you won’t spend all day worrying about it. Many patients feel less stressed in the morning. Getting the visit out of the way can make the rest of your day feel better.
Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is a simple but powerful way to calm your body and mind. Before and during your dental appointment, try breathing in slowly through your nose, holding for a few seconds, and then breathing out through your mouth. Do this a few times in a row. Deep breathing helps lower your heart rate, relaxes your muscles, and reduces feelings of panic or fear.
Take Breaks
Remember, you’re in control of your appointment. If at any point you feel overwhelmed or need a moment to rest, just raise your hand. We’ll stop and give you a break. Whether you need a sip of water, a quick breather, or just a minute to relax, we’re happy to pause for you.
Start Small
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, it’s okay to take things slow. You don’t need to jump right into a big treatment. We can begin with a quick exam or a short cleaning to help you get comfortable with the environment. Once you feel more at ease, we can slowly move forward with any treatment you may need. Starting small helps build trust and confidence over time.
Our Approach to Dental Care
At Hermitage Dental, our dental team are not only experts at what they do but also care about each and every patient. You’ll be welcomed with kindness and respect when you walk through our doors.
We never judge our patients for being nervous or for waiting a long time between visits. In fact, we admire you for taking the first step and scheduling an appointment. That’s a big deal!
We work hard to make your visit as stress-free as possible. Our dentists:
- Explain everything we’re doing in simple terms
- Answer all your questions honestly and kindly
- Offer breaks when you need them
- Create a calm and peaceful environment
- Use gentle tools and techniques
Why It’s Important to Get the Care You Need
It might feel easier to skip going to the dentist, especially if you’re nervous or worried about what might happen. A lot of people feel that way, and you’re not alone. But avoiding the dentist can actually lead to bigger problems down the road.
A bit of plaque or a tiny cavity might not seem like a big deal right now. But over time, that plaque can turn into tartar, and that tiny cavity can grow and become painful or even infected. You might need a much more serious treatment later, like a root canal or even a tooth extraction.
The good news is that regular dental visits can help stop those big problems before they start. When you come in for cleanings and checkups, your dentist and dental hygienist can spot small issues early, before they become painful or expensive to fix. These visits also help keep your teeth clean, your gums healthy, and your breath fresh.
Schedule a Dental Visit
At Hermitage Dental, we believe that going to the dentist should feel safe and comfortable. Whether you want to talk about sedation options, need a gentle introduction back into dental care, or just want a team who listens and understands, we’re here for you.
We’re here to treat dental anxiety in Edmonton, AB. Call 587-806-4168 or request an appointment with us online.