Dental Anxiety Treatment
You may be wondering, what exactly is dental anxiety? Dentists all over the world encounter thousands of patients suffering from dental anxiety. Thanks to today’s innovative technology, we are able to offer treatments to help our patients deal with dental anxiety.
At Hayes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our goal is to help each of our patients to feel comfortable and at ease when visiting our office, so we’re here to help. Depending on the severity of a patient’s dental anxiety, we will help them choose which dental anxiety treatment will work best for them. Here are a few of the treatments we offer.
Laughing Gas
One tried and true dental anxiety treatment is laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide. A small mask placed comfortably over your nose will contain nitrous oxide which when combined with oxygen helps patients feel more relaxed. One advantage of laughing gas is that it wears of fairly quickly and can be used at almost any age. It also doesn’t require the help of a designated driver, so you can enjoy a comfortable appointment and drive yourself home afterwards.
Conscious Oral Sedation
Conscious oral sedation is another common solution for dental anxiety. Though you are awake during the treatment, you will be provided medication which can help calm your nerves and make you feel more at ease. Conscious oral sedation allows patients to be aware of everything going on while also being more at ease at the same time. While you won’t be unconscious for conscious oral sedation, your dentist may recommend having a friend or family member to drive you home after your treatment.
Painless Treatments
The fear of pain is one major cause of dental anxiety. However, it’s important for our patients to know that we offer many solutions and options to provide you with painless treatment. With technology advancements and the right tools, Hayes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry of Collierville is able to help our patients feel more relaxed than ever at the dentist.
What to Eat and Drink Before a Dentist Appointment
It’s no surprise that the food and drink we consume can have a lasting effect on our bodies. However, some patients are unaware that what they are consuming could be triggering their dental anxiety. A few foods/drinks to avoid before the dentist include:
- Coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeinated beverages which can exacerbate anxiety
- Meals with high sugar content which can cause you to feel less at ease
- Alcohol or other substances which can make those prone to dental anxiety less comfortable
How to Feel More Comfortable at the Dentist
If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, bringing along a book or headphones may help you feel more at ease. Next time you visit our office, feel free to bring your headphones and listen to your favorite album or watch your favorite movie on a mobile device or tablet. Our office is also equipped with televisions to allow patients to feel more at ease during their appointment to help ease dental anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cavities are caused by a combination of things, including not brushing your teeth well or often, bacteria, sugary drinks, and more. However, there are ways to help prevent cavities from forming in the first place. Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating, and be sure to use a fluoride mouthwash as well. Avoid frequent drinking and snacking throughout the day, especially with sugary foods. Make sure you are using proper brushing techniques to get rid of the plaque on your teeth. Ask your dentist to show you how if you aren’t sure you are using proper technique.
We accept most forms of insurance. View our Insurance Information page to see which insurance companies are in-network. You can still use our services if you are out-of-network, but your out of pocket expense may be a little higher.
Yes, please! We ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes early so that you can fill out any new patient paperwork.
We recommend that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles are frayed. It’s important that you replace your toothbrush in a timely manner, as an old toothbrush won’t clean your teeth as thoroughly, which can lead to plaque buildup.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Quy Van D.D.S
Dentist
Dr. Van is originally from Florida but moved to Memphis to attend dental school. Dr. Van loves the vibe of the downtown community and decided to stay here after graduating from dental school. When he is not working, he enjoys going on adventures with his fiancee and their dog Luna. He loves to garden, kayak, and play pickleball. He is also fluent in both English and Vietnamese.