Dental Anxiety & Fear

Many people experience anxiety or fear to visit the dentist. However, while the image of a drill-wielding figure in a white coat may be disturbing, it is far from reality. Your comfort is at the center of eat treatment our dentists provide, and we do everything we can to help relieve your anxiety and help you feel comfortable during your treatment. We encourage you to contact Cheer Dental at 408-437-1111 and schedule a consultation with our doctors to discuss your concerns and how we can relieve your anxieties and fears.

It is estimated that as many as 35 million people actively avoid visiting the dentist due to anxiety and fear, leaving them at risk for developing many major dental issues. Common dental fears include:

• Embarrassment over the condition of your teeth
• Gagging
• Injections
• Loss of control
• Fear of not becoming numb when injected with an anesthetic
• Pain
• Fear of the drill or handpiece
• Fear of the dentist as a person

If you experience these or any other kinds of fear or anxiety, there are several ways in which we can help you. Here are a few ideas:

• Talk to our dentists. To help you, we need to know that you are anxious, distressed, or fearful. If we are aware of your anxieties, we can make arrangements to help you feel more comfortable.
• Bring a portable music player. Music can relax you and block out any fear-producing noises.
• Agree on a signal in advance. When you begin to feel fear, anxiety, or pain, you can give the signal, and our dentists will stop your procedure to check on your comfort levels. We will watch for this signal throughout your entire treatment.
• Use a throat spray. Throat sprays help control your gag reflex. Two or three sprays are usually enough to keep your gag reflex under control. Our dentists can recommend a few sprays if you are unsure about your options.
• Bring a mirror. If you bring a mirror, you can watch the procedure to see and understand what is happening, rather than simply listening to the procedure as it progresses.
• Sedation dentistry. If there is no other way for you to cope, we can provide a sedative to help you relax and remain calm during your treatment. We will discuss our sedation options with you in a one-on-one consultation.
• Ask about alternative treatments. Advancement in dentistry has made it possible to perform the same treatments in several unique ways, many of which are quieter, more comfortable or less invasive than traditional treatments.

Kindly contact us today for more information about how our dentists in San Jose, California, can help you to overcome your anxiety and fear.