One of the most common barriers to patients getting the dental care they need to keep their oral health on the right track is dental anxiety and fear. Whether due to bad past experiences or overstimulation due to the sights, sounds, and smells of the office, dental anxiety can keep patients from scheduling important procedures. Fortunately, sedation dentistry in Clinton Township allows patients to feel more at-ease while in the treatment chair. Read on to learn four tips to help you find the best sedation dentist in your area.
#1 Look at Experience & Qualifications
Once you find a dental office that you think would be a good fit for you, take a moment to read about the dentists there. While reading their bios, look at whether they take continuing education courses or have special training in dental sedation. This will help you determine how much experience they have not only treating patients with anxiety, but also administering sedation.
#2 Assess Their Team’s Communication
Visiting a dental office that has a team with great communication skills can sometimes help patients feel less nervous or anxious. From the moment you schedule your appointment or call their office, take note of how informative they’re being and whether they give you enough time to ask questions. Choosing a compassionate provider who is mindful of how stressful visiting the dentist can be for you can go a long way in making each of your visits positive.
#3 Determine if You Would Be Comfortable in Their Office
If visiting the dental office can sometimes put you on-edge due to it feeling too clinical or sterile, take a moment to do a virtual office tour. See if you will feel comfortable at their practice. Additionally, being able to see exactly what you’ll be walking into can help minimize your anxiety by giving you an idea of what to expect.
#4 See What Types of Sedation They Offer
Lastly (and most importantly!), if you know that you will need dental sedation, see what types they offer. For patients with mild to moderate sedation, choosing a dentist who just offers nitrous oxide may be fine. However, if you have severe dental phobia, you may want to consider seeing a dentist who offers IV sedation. This method of sedation can help patients not remember most of their visits, as it causes drowsiness, leading to a more positive experience overall.
About the Author
Dr. Milad Rabban attended the University of Detroit Mercy for dental school and has advanced training in a variety of procedures, including sedation dentistry. As such, she is able to administer IV sedation from the comfort of an office patients are familiar with, allowing for more relaxing and positive experiences, especially for patients with dental fear. To learn more about sedation dentistry and whether you’re a good candidate, visit Clinton Township Family Dental’s website or call 586-416-1444.