Beating Dental Fear

Is your dental fear stopping you from getting the dental care you need?

Having a fear of the dentist prevents patients from getting the dental care they need. Family and cosmetic Dr. William Harper understands that many patients deal with dental fear and anxiety, so he takes the time to coordinate a personalized treatment plan to give them the dental care they need. Dr. Harper offers a range of cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry services at Harper Dental in Poquoson, VA. If you are in need of treatment, Dr. Harper and our experienced staff will work with you to coordinate a dental treatment that is right for you. Please feel free to schedule an appointment online or call 757.414.7227

Tips for dealing with dental fear and anxiety

Discover why you are afraid of the dentist. Finding out what specifically scares you about the dentist can help our team better understand your anxiety and finds ways to minimize it during treatment. Dr. Harper and his compassionate staff will work with you to ensure you get the treatment you need in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Talk to your dentist. Disclose any anxiety or fear you may have regarding the dentist to Dr. Harper or one of our staff members. Talking to our team about your dental fear may help minimize the anxiety you may feel during your visit to the dentist. Dr. Harper will take the time to explain your dental treatment in detail so that you are an active part of your own treatment. Feel free to ask about certain policies, procedures, and any other questions you may have about our Newport News dentist office.

Bring a friend or family member. Having someone you trust close by can help alleviate some of the anxiety you may feel about visiting the dentist.

Try some relaxation technique to help keep you relaxed during your dental treatment. Try some deep breathing techniques to help keep you calm during treatment. Try practicing some meditation and relaxation methods before your appointment to find out which one works best for you.

Sedation dentistry. Dr. Harper does offer a range of sedation options for patients who require complex dental treatment. Sedation dentistry is also used for patients with advanced tooth sensitivity, strong gag reflux, and other dental concerns. Using a topical anesthetic to numb the treatment area may also be an option for patients with dental fear. Talk to Dr. Harper to determine if sedation dentistry may be right for you.

Preventive care. Preventive care is an excellent way to catch dental issues early. Visiting our Newport News dental office on a regular basis allows Dr. Harper to properly check the teeth, gums, and jaw bone structure for any complex dental problems. He can also coordinate the proper treatment to help restore your smile. If you don’t visit the dentist regularly, complex dental issues can begin to form and may leave you more susceptible to tooth sensitivity, tooth pain, and infection.