Dental anxieties and phobias are far more common than you’d think. Many patients have had bad experiences in the past or have conditions that make them more sensitive to all the sights, sounds, and smells. Whatever the situation may be, it’s important to find a gentle dentist who can provide comfortable care! Keep reading to learn what to look for in an anxiety-conscious dentist near you and see how we check every box.
#1. Dental Sedation
Not every practice offers sedation dentistry in Irving, but we do. We can say from personal experience that they’re great accommodations for those with mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety. Not all types of sedation are created equally, however, and each is best suited for different needs.
Nitrous Oxide
You may know it by its nickname “laughing gas” (though at most, you’ll feel more giggly than usual and probably won’t burst out into fits of laughter). It works best for patients who just need a little help feeling more relaxed. If you visit our practice in Irving, we offer nitrous oxide as a complementary service.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This form of sedation is a pill that is swallowed. It’s considered to be more powerful than nitrous oxide, but less so than IV. Depending on the dosage, you might feel completely “out of it” similar to IV sedation, or you may simply experience a deeper sense of relaxation.
IV Sedation
For those with severe anxiety or phobia, this deep form of sedation is administered intravenously—meaning it’s like a shot. It’s the strongest type of sedation out of the three we offer and is typically recommended for those with more severe symptoms. You won’t fall unconscious like you would with general anesthesia, but many of our patients end up dozing off naturally. You also probably won’t remember much about your experience, which can be a big plus for patients who need extended treatment.
#2. Third Party Reviews
Checking the reviews on a dentist’s website can be helpful, but they’re not usually as informative as those that come from third-party sites like Google, Yelp, or Reddit. You’ll also likely find a larger pool of reviews on these sites, which is great for getting a sense of what visiting the office is truly like.
You’ll always find a negative review here or there on any dentist’s page, but the idea is to find patterns. Does the dentist have mostly positive reviews across different platforms? Or are they barely there? If dozens of people say a practice provides gentle and compassionate care, that’s a green flag!
#3. Comprehensive Services
Imagine going to a restaurant and learning they only have three things on the menu. While those options might be great, it can be disappointing to have to go elsewhere to get what you need.
For example, if you need a dental implant, but your provider refers to a specialist, that’s an additional cost, more driving, and another person you don’t know putting their hands in your mouth.
Patients who are already anxious or sensitive can find this idea terrifying, often putting off the treatment or skipping the treatment entirely. In this way, a dentist who offers a comprehensive list of services (like our team) can save you a lot of time and stress.
A good dentist will always take the time to make sure you’re comfortable during your appointments. If they’re judgmental and hesitant to provide accommodations, then it’s time to move on. Remember, there’s nothing more important to your continued oral health than comfort!
About the Practice
At 21st Century Dental of Irving, our team is committed to creating dental experiences that feel comfortable, compassionate, and completely judgment-free. Dr. Roy, Dr. Bristow, and Dr. Kumar serve patients in Irving, Las Colinas, and the surrounding North Texas area with a full range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. Call (972) 255-3712 to schedule a consultation with our friendly team and see how we make a difference for anxious patients.