Do you feel anxious when you go to the dentist? You’re not alone.

Studies show about 15% of the population in the United States avoid seeing a dentist regularly because of fears and anxieties. At Cosmetic Dentistry of Napa, we take these anxieties seriously.

Some Helpful Suggestions

If you’re having trouble conquering your fears on the day of your appointment, here are some suggestions about what to do before and during your appointment:

1. Don’t drink anything that will raise your metabolism such as coffee or energy drinks. Hydrate yourself with water instead, which is also good because water doesn’t stain your teeth and make the cleaning process longer.
2. Schedule other things you need to do during the day either at home or running errands. We can’t guarantee that doing these other tasks won’t cause stress, but they will focus your attention on something other than your dental appointment.
3. When you arrive at the office, our staff will ask you how you’re feeling and will work to ensure you are comfortable. For example, we’ll have Netflix programming on TVs in the exam room that you can watch, and we can give you a warm blanket if you’re cold.
4. Talk with the staff about any pain or uncomfortable experiences in the past, such as your pain sensitivity to a local anesthetic. We don’t want to hurt you unintentionally!
5. If you feel that you still need to speak up about your anxieties at any time, please do so. For example, you can ask your dental hygienist or Dr. Lamberton to agree on a signal to let them know you need a break. For instance, if you put your hand up or tap repeatedly on the armrest, the hygienist or Dr. Lamberton will stop. They’ll be happy to talk with you about your concerns.

You can find more tips about calming yourself before your appointment on the American Dental Association website.

If All Else Fails

What’s more, Dr. Lamberton is well known for his gift of managing anxious patients with his calming personality and gentle touch.

If you still feel too stressed about staying awake during the procedure, we can sedate you before it begins. We offer nitrous oxide gas and prescription medications. If you are interested in dental sedation, we’ll discuss your options with you in advance so we can use the proper sedation method for you.

Your treatment will go by in an instant and you’ll wake up in your chair feeling refreshed. Dr. Lamberton will be happy to tell you how the procedure went and explain any follow-up recommendations. Our staff will be happy to set up your next appointment.