If you had a bad experience with the dentist before, don’t worry! We’re here for you and won’t judge. Dr. Keith Boenning and Dr. Nathan Dancykier are local Prosthodontists. We work one-on-one with anxious and fearful patients.
Our dentists will identify your oral health needs, help you address your stressors, and get you the care you need. Some patients avoid biannual dental checkups because they are anxious about visiting the dentist. However, patients who avoid visiting the dentist may not get the treatment they need quickly enough. This lets minor dental concerns grow into complex issues.
Visiting our dental office will lower your chance of developing dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Boenning and Dr. Dancykier treat patients with dental anxiety in Towson, MD. Our dental office offers a variety of options to help you relax while treating your dental concerns.
Solutions for Dental Anxiety
Dr. Boenning and Dr. Dancykier discuss treatment plans with each patient prior to their care. This will help the patient better-understand their procedure. As dental specialists, Dr. Boenning and Dr. Dancykier offer the latest in modern dental care. Our dentists have also continued their education to keep up with the latest dental procedures and methods.
Sedation dentistry helps patients with dental anxiety feel at ease during routine care or complex procedures. Dr. Boenning and Dr. Dancykier personalize their care by discussing medical history, goals, and concerns before sedation. They make sure that patients feel comfortable before their treatment.
They will review options with patients before choosing the appropriate method. Sedation dentistry allows patients to receive dental care while feeling relaxed. Patients can receive pain-free care with little to no memory of their procedure with dental sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a safe way to feel total relaxation with receiving dental treatments. We will place a small mask over your nose to deliver the gas throughout the dental appointment. The gas will relax you and take effect immediately.
Even though you will be in a deep state of relaxation, you will still be able to communicate and control your body movements. Once we remove the mask, the effects will quickly wear off.
Oral-conscious Sedation
We use oral-conscious sedation for patients with severe anxiety problems. Before your appointment, we will prescribe an oral medication that you will take about an hour before you arrive. Oral-conscious sedation will take some time for the effects to kick in because you take it in pill form.
The medication will put you into a deep state of relaxation, but you will not be asleep. You can still move and communicate, but you will not feel panicked or anxious. The medication may take several hours to wear off after your appointment. You will need to have transportation to and from your appointment.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
Patients with dental anxiety may not know where to start. This condition can be overwhelming. Our dental professional are here to help you get the dental care you need.
To begin, read through our dental anxiety frequently asked questions section. If you have further questions, contact our office and we will do our best to help you.
How common is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is a prevalent issue in the United States. Some estimates suggest that at least 30% of Americans experience some form of dental-related phobia or fear. This includes people who experience mild uneasiness and those with severe dental phobia.
Dental anxiety can also stem from a past negative experiences at the dentist. General concerns about pain or embarrassment during a procedure can be a trigger too. Many dentists are aware of this issue and offer various strategies to help patients manage their anxiety.
What is the most feared dental procedure?
The common procedures that often cause fear or anxiety include root canals and tooth extractions (particularly wisdom teeth removal). Root canal therapy is generally more invasive than other procedures, such as dental fillings or tooth crowns. Dentists attribute these patients’ fear to misconceptions, past negative experiences, or fear of pain. As a result, dentists increasingly use techniques to alleviate anxiety and ensure patient comfort during these procedures.
Do dentists judge you for having cavities?
No, dentists do not judge their patients for having cavities. Dentists understand that cavities can develop because of genetics, diet, and oral hygiene habits. The dentist will guide a patient on how to prevent future cavities.
Furthermore, the dentist will educate you on what you must do to achieve better dental health. Most dentists are compassionate professionals striving to create positive dental experiences.
Can dentists tell if you have anxiety?
Dentists are often able to recognize signs of anxiety in their patients. They may notice physical signs, such as dry mouth, sweating, trembling, or rapid breathing. Dentists also notice behavioral signs like nervousness, avoidance, or hesitation.
Some patients openly share their concerns with the dentist. Most dentists are understanding and empathetic toward patients with anxiety. If you have dental anxiety, communicate with your dentist so they can provide support and accommodations.
Can I request sedation at the dentist?
Yes, you can request sedation at our dental office. Different levels of sedation are available, ranging from mild sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to deep sedation. Discuss your needs with your dentist before making any decisions. This will ensure they can prescribe the most effective type of anesthesia for your comfort and safety.
What can I take for anxiety before dental work?
Discussing your dental concerns with your dentist is important if you’re experiencing anxiety before a dental procedure. Your dentist may recommend an anti-anxiety medication, such as a benzodiazepine (Valium or Xanax). This anti-anxiety medication can help you feel more relaxed during your appointment.
Always follow your dentist’s advice and obtain a prescription when necessary. Additionally, you can try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or guided imagery. Communicate your needs and dental issues with your dentist to ensure comfort during your visit and procedure.
Request a Consultation Today
You do not have to struggle with dental fear or anxiety anymore. Call 410-324-2294 or schedule an appointment with our dentists online anytime. Dr. Boenning, Dr. Dancykier, and our dental team are passionate about assisting our patients with all their dental needs. We aim to create a warm and friendly environment in our Towson dental practice.