Dental Anxiety & Fear in Plano, TX

Dental anxiety, or fear of the dentist, is a genuine concern for many patients. Many patients avoid visiting the dentist regularly due to this fear. Although typical, dental anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s more common than many people might realize. However, this fear can lead to further oral health complications when unaddressed.

Since many adults and children experience some form of dental anxiety, our dentist wants to ensure all his patients feel comfortable and at ease throughout their appointment. That’s why at Lutke Dental, our dentist offers several sedation dentistry options to make it easier for even the most anxious patient to receive treatment!

The Common Causes of Dental Anxiety

Dental fear and anxiety are genuine for many people; for some, these feelings can prevent them from getting the care they need. We understand that you may have been avoiding the dentist because of fear or anxiety, and we want to reassure you that you’re not alone! Most adults have some degree of dental anxiety and fear. This can be caused by several factors, including fear of pain, embarrassment about the condition of your teeth, lack of control, or even a past negative experience at the dental office. Whatever your anxiety, we’re here to help you make your visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

We offer several sedation options to help you relax during your procedure, and we have plenty of experience with anxious patients. Our dentists will work with you to develop a personalized plan for your visit based on your level of anxiety as well as your overall health history. That way, we can ensure you feel completely calm and at ease throughout your appointment.

How to Overcome Dental Anxiety & Fear?

Communication With Your Dentist

Dentists are familiar with many common reasons for anxiety and have years of experience treating patients with high dental fear levels. They know how to communicate with you to ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed throughout your appointment.

Don’t be afraid to tell the dentist you’re nervous or anxious - they will always do their best to accommodate your needs and desires. Be sure to let them know if you start to feel any discomfort at all. Many dentists have special tools that can be used to give you numbing medication if you need it, and they can typically reduce pain during your procedure. If you have any questions about what you can expect from visiting your dentist, ask them! They will be happy to help you understand your visit so that you can feel more at ease.

Sedation Dentistry

Various types of sedation dentistry can relieve anxiety during a dental procedure and help the patient relax throughout their visit. Some types of dental sedation are topical gels that numb the gums so a patient does not even feel the needle used to administer local anesthetic during a dental procedure.