Choosing a new dentist can be challenging, particularly if you struggle with dental anxiety or have certain sensitivities. How can you know whether a practice is gentle and non-judgmental? What is the best way to find a dentist who will help you feel more at ease in the treatment chair?
I want to help you connect with a dentist who understands your needs, especially if you often avoid making appointments due to fear or discomfort. Remember that a good dentist will be happy to work with you so you can have a more positive experience. Here are four key factors to consider as you look for a trustworthy provider:
#1. Dental Sedation
There are different types of dental sedation, and not all of them put you to sleep. Depending on your circumstances, one could be a better option for you than the other.
I use IV sedation and nitrous oxide at my office and can speak to their effectiveness from personal experience. Oral conscious sedation is also commonly offered by many dentists, and is generally considered to be safe and effective.
Here is an overview of each option (keep in mind that you should talk to your dentist before setting your heart on any specific method):
- IV sedation is administered intravenously — sort of like a shot you would receive from your primary care physician. It is the strongest type of sedation in dental offices and is typically recommended only for those with severe symptoms of discomfort or anxiety. It doesn’t induce unconsciousness in the same way as general anesthesia, but many of our patients who get it doze off naturally. You probably won’t remember much about the experience after the sedation wears off.
- Nitrous oxide is at the opposite end of the spectrum in that its effects are very mild. You may know it by its nickname, “laughing gas,” though it probably won’t make you laugh too much. At most, you might feel more giggly than usual. Nitrous oxide is certainly effective, but if you struggle with severe anxiety or fear, it might not be enough to get you through your treatment.
- Oral conscious sedation is taken in pill form. As far as sedative strength goes, it lies somewhere between IV sedation and nitrous oxide. You’ll be in a deeper state of relaxation than with nitrous oxide, but not quite as “out of it” as you would be with IV sedation, depending on the dosage.
Important note: It is generally best to use the mildest form of sedation that will effectively address your unique needs, so if you already know nitrous oxide isn’t strong enough for you, your dentist will most likely recommend trying oral medication as the next option.
#2. Third-Party Reviews
It’s nice if a dentist uses language like “kind,” “gentle,” and “nonjudgemental” on their website, but the best way to get a true sense of what to expect in their office is to check third-party reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and Reddit. You may find one or two bad reviews in the mix — but what’s important is that the dentist has mostly positive reviews across multiple platforms.
#3. Comprehensive Services
If going to the dentist causes your anxiety to flare up, you probably don’t want to have to worry about visiting multiple offices or juggling referrals to get the care you need. It’s good to find a practice that offers a complete range of preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic services. I recommend taking this a step further and searching for a multi-specialty office. This means that in addition to a general dentist, there are also one or more specialists, such as a periodontist, orthodontist, or prosthodontist. They are able to provide more advanced care, so if you’re considering complex treatment, like dental implants, you’ll have the same trustworthy team helping you every step of the way.
#4. Technology
Finally, the right technology can have a huge impact on your dental care, even if you’re just going for a simple checkup and cleaning. Intraoral cameras are largely considered to be more comfortable than traditional X-rays, for example, and they rarely trigger sensitive gag reflexes. Dental lasers are also amazing; they eliminate the need for the sharper, more traditional tools used for many gum treatments, and they significantly reduce recovery time. Check the dentists’ “advanced technology” page on their website or ask them what devices they have for promoting patient comfort.
Carefully consider how each dentist near you addresses the factors discussed in this blog post, and you’ll be well on your way to finding comfortable dental care.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Alan Rauchberg is the head of our team at Rauchberg Dental Group. He has a wealth of experience and regularly completes more than 100 hours of continuing education each year. Under his leadership, our team strives to create a welcoming environment and pleasant care experience for each patient. To learn more about us or to request an appointment, contact us at 973-718-9887.