Gentle Dentist in Lancaster & Palmdale – Dr. Jeffrey Stein Gentle Dentists Understand the Importance of Dental Anxiety & Fear.
The overwhelming fear of dental appointments can be a common cause of anxiety. Many people
visualize a drill-wielding man in a white coat just waiting to cause pain and remove teeth. The
reality, however, is very different. The comfort, relaxation and happiness of the patient are
embedded deep at the heart of any good dental practice, such as what you’ll find at Dr. Stein’s
office. The staff at the practice will do whatever they can to reduce anxiety, allay fears and
provide painless, quick treatments.
Recent technological advancements have meant that in many cases, dentists are able to replace
noisy drills with painless laser beams. There are also a wide variety of safe anesthetics
available to eliminate pain and reduce anxiety during routine appointments.
Here is a list of some of the most common dental fears addressed by a gentle dentist in Lancaster such as Dr. Jeffrey Stein:
- Fear of embarrassment about the condition of teeth.
- Fear of gagging.
- Fear of injections.
- Fear of loss of control.
- Fear of not becoming numb when injected with Novocain.
- Fear of pain.
- Fear of the dentist as a person.
- Fear of the hand piece (or the drill).
"Our goal is to treat you with the best quality care to ensure your dental needs and oral health."
Jeffrey H. Stein, DDS, FAGD
Make An Appointment Today!
(661) 949-1894 Request Online
How can one overcome dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety and fear can become completely overwhelming. It is estimated that as many as 35 million people do not visit the dental office at all because they are too afraid. Receiving regular dental check ups and cleanings is incredibly important. Having regular routine check ups is the easiest way to maintain excellent oral hygiene and reduce the need for more complex treatments.
Here are some tips to help reduce dental fear and anxiety:
Choose a gentle dentist such as Dr. Stein – gentle dentist understand the
importance of being gentle and comfortable to patients who may be afraid of uneasy of dentists
or dental hygienists. They have been trained to administer techniques and solutions that combat
these fears.
Talk to the dentist – The dentist is not a mind reader. Though it can be hard
to talk about irrational fears with a stranger, the dentist can take extra precautions during
visits if fears and anxiety are communicated.
Bring a portable music player – Music acts as a relaxant and also drowns out
any fear-producing noises. Listening to calming music throughout the appointment will help to
reduce anxiety.
Agree on a signal – Many people are afraid that the dentist will not know they
are in significant pain during the appointment, and will carry on the procedure regardless. The
best way to solve this problem is to agree on a “stop” hand signal with the dentist. Both
parties can easily understand signals like raising the hand or tapping on the chair.
Spray the throat – Throat sprays (for example, Vicks® Chloraseptic® Throat
Spray) can actually control the gag reflex. Two or three sprays will usually keep the reflex
under control for about an hour.
Take a mirror – Not being able to see what is happening can increase anxiety
and make the imagination run wild. Watching the procedure can help keep reality at the forefront
of the mind.
Sedation – If there is no other way to cope, sedation offers an excellent
option for many people. There are several types of sedation, but the general premise behind them
is the same: the patient regains their faculties after treatment is complete.
Ask about alternatives – Advances in technology mean that dental microsurgery
is now an option. Lasers can be used to prepare teeth for fillings, whiten teeth and remove
staining. Discuss all the options with the dentist and decide on one that is effective and
produces minimal anxiety.