Dr. Bleeker Addresses Dental Anxiety

Nobody thinks of going to the dentist as a fond pastime. In fact, it’s not uncommon for people to dread going to a dental appointment. But what about more severe cases of dental anxiety -- with fears that plague patients so much they start to skip checkups and thus experience a deterioration of their dental health?

Just the thought of a dental appointment can be a cause of anxiety. Many patients worry about dental pain and the ultimate trip to the dentist to have the issue taken care of. The reality, however, is quite different.  

The comfort and happiness of every patient are embedded deep at the heart of any great dental practice. That’s why the staff at Dr. Bleeker’s practice will do whatever we can to reduce dental anxiety and provide painless, speedy treatments. We understand dental anxiety is a real, pervasive issue for patients -- so we do whatever we can to ease minds and create a smooth process for every individual when you visit Scottsdale prosthodontist Dr. Bleeker.

Conquering Dental Anxiety: Common Fears

Some of the most common causes of dental anxiety stem from the following:

• Fear of embarrassment about the condition of your teeth

• Fear of gagging

• Fear of injections

• Fear of loss of control

• Fear of bleeding in the mouth

• Fear of not becoming numb

• Fear of pain

• Fear of the dentist as a person

• Fear of the drill

• The noise and smells of a dental office

How Can You Overcome Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety can become completely overwhelming. It is estimated that as many as 35 million people do not visit the dental office at all because of these fears -- yet undergoing regular dental check-ups and cleanings is incredibly important to your health and well-being. Scheduling routine appointments with your dental professional is the simplest way to ensure you maintain excellent oral hygiene and reduce the need for more complex or invasive treatments.

The two tips below, recommended by Scottsdale prosthodontist Dr. Michael Bleeker, will help you reduce dental anxiety:

Talk to your dentist – Explain your concerns and anxiety when it comes to dental procedures. Although it can be hard to talk about these issues with a stranger, Dr. Bleeker does this every day and hears concerns exactly like yours from many people. Knowing that anxiety is a problem -- and that you’re not alone -- is the first step to addressing it.

Sedation – Sedation offers an excellent alternative option for those who suffer from more severe dental anxiety. There are a few types of sedation, but the general premise behind them is the same: the patient is administered a sedative which allows the patient to arrive relaxed and ready to undergo dental treatment. While sedated, the dental treatment is completed with minimal pain and discomfort. After a period of time, the sedative will wear off and the patient regains their faculties. They usually have little to no memory of the actual visit or procedure.

Conquering dental anxiety starts with an excellent dental professional equipped to address your specific needs. Dr. Bleeker is licensed by the state of Arizona to provide oral sedation to his anxious patients.