I am feeling a bit lost. I had a dentist who was very patient with my anxiety. He would pause when I needed. He always explained what he was doing too. I never loved going to the dentist but he at least made it possible for me. This year he retired. I just tried the new dentist who purchased his practice and I can’t stand him. He was impatient and short with me. One time he refused to stop when I asked him to. He even said, “You’re not the only patient I have today.” Was my last dentist a saint and I’ll never find another one like him or is there a way I can find another patient who doesn’t mind fearful patients?
Katherine
Dear Katherine,
I’m sorry you had such a bad experience with this dentist. He sounds like kind of a jerk to be blunt. While you had a great dentist last time, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the Grinch who stole Kindness.
There are dentists who not only enjoy working with fearful patients, but they cater to them with the specific goal of changing their view of dental care.
Finding a Dentist Who Caters to Fearful Patients
The first thing you’ll need to do is to do an internet search. Look under the following terms and make a list:
These are common terms dentists use to show they do work with patients that have dental anxiety. However, I’m a big believer in the phrase, “Trust but verify.” I always recommend people check the reviews before visiting a dentist.
You want to make certain they are what they advertise to be and other patients have had good experiences with them.
Benefits of Dental Sedation
Not everyone with dental anxiety needs sedation. However, there are times it is a great benefit. If you need a procedure which makes you more nervous than just a check-up, sedation can give you a stress-free/pain-free appointment. In fact, most patients sleep through their procedure.
Dental sedation, especially oral conscious sedation, allows a dentist to get more work done during each appointment. Because you’re asleep, you are more comfortable which means the dentist can work thoroughly while you contentedly rest and don’t wear out from having your mouth open.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.