DISCLOSURE: Dental fear can develop for many reasons and with different degrees of severity. The following recommendations are just that. Recommendations and not medical advice. Although the following will work for many, there will be other individuals who may require medication or counseling to address their dental fear. Please discuss your case with your dentist or medical provider in order to achieve the best treatment.

1. Take a deep breath. Deep breathing oxygenates your brain providing you with a relaxed sensation.

2. Discuss your fears with a counselor or your dentist. Discussing these with a counselor will help you put these into perspective. Informing your dentist will provide them with additional information which may aid in providing you with more positive experiences.

3. Consider nitrous oxide or laughing gas. Many of us don't need deep sedation to feel comfortable during dental treatment, just something to take the edge off. Nitrous oxide can provide you with that relief while allowing you to remain awake during treatment and with a full recovery afterwards.

4. Bring an iPod or Walkman. Listening to your favorite music or audio book provides a familiar and positive distraction which tends to diminish sensations you may otherwise be aware of.

5. Trust your dental providers. Know that we are in good hands. We have your best interest in mind and will do everything we can to provide you with the best care there is.

6. After having a positive dental experience, remember it during future appointments. Replacing poor experiences with new positive ones, will aid in creating a new sense of trust in your dentist and the profession overall.

7. Understand your dental treatment. Although there are individuals who would rather know as little as possible about their dental treatment, being actively involved will provide you with a sense of peace in knowing what will be performed during each appointment. Feel free to take a few minutes to have all questions answered prior to your dental appointments.

8. Request needle-less anesthetic. We have recently added new gel anesthetic which does not involve needles or injections. Oraquix can be used for deep cleanings or procedures which require deep numbing of the gums and not the teeth, such as crown deliveries, crown preparations after root canals and simple pediatric extractions.