At Country Club Dental Flagstaff, we are a gentle dental practice. We take into consideration the fact that many people dislike the dentist and may experience some anxiety when scheduling a visit. We completely understand this hesitation. But when visits are put off, whether a routine check-up or an appointment to address an issue, a person’s teeth and gums are put at unnecessary risk. Seeing that it’s a new year, we’d like to discuss some common fears and offer tips on how to approach dental care in 2019 with less stress and anxiety!
1. You’re Concerned it Will Be Painful
Whether it’s a fear of injections or the thought that even with anesthesia you might be able to feel pain during a procedure, anxiety about your visit to the dentist can be crippling. If you fall into this category, please tell us about your fears and concerns, and let us know whether you have any specific pains or conditions that contribute to your anxiety. In addition, while cleaning your teeth and around the gumline, our dental hygienists may apply a topical to reduce sensitivity and will take extra care removing any plaque or tartar.
2. You’ve Had a Bad Experience in the Past
Some patients come to us having had a negative experience during past visits to the dentist. Perhaps the dental staff members were not kind and considerate of your individual needs. Or it’s possible your questions were not answered thoroughly and the lack of communication may have made you feel you did not know what to expect. Whatever the reason, we strive to make your visits as positive as possible. If you’ve had a negative experience in the past, please let us know what happened so we can be aware that it’s a concern and address it with consideration.
3. You Feel Helpless or a Loss of Control in the Dental Chair
Certain aspects of visiting the dentist could very well make you feel confined or a loss of control. Whenever our patients enter our office we want them to feel in control of the process and procedure. At the moment you feel hesitation about what is coming next, indicate that you need to pause and we can adjust what might be bothering you or simply take a little break. The more you can communicate with us, the better your experience will be.
4. You’re Embarrassed About Your Oral Health
When planning a visit to our dental office, you may find yourself feeling apprehension about the state of your teeth. Even with fairly healthy teeth and gums, you could be embarrassed that it’s been years since your last dental cleaning. Or, you might have insecurities about a chipped or painful tooth. No matter the condition of your teeth, our team interacts kindly and compassionately with each patient. We will never judge the state of your teeth and gums and we will strive to encourage good oral health without making you feel embarrassed. We do this because our passion is to take care of you and leave you with a beautiful and functional smile you can feel confident about.
5. You’re Nervous About the Expense
According to the American Dental Association, 10.3% of children and 33.6% of adults in America don’t have any form of dental coverage. If you and your family are among this number, the cost of certain dental procedures may cause anxiety and keep you from caring properly for your oral health. In addition, patients can sometimes feel shy about discussing financial matters and options with their dentist office. At Country Club Dental Flagstaff, we understand this reality and make every effort to create an environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your financial concerns openly with us. In an effort to make your dental care as affordable as possible, we offer our in-house dental savings club that can save you up to 20% on your dental procedures. We also offer zero percent APR financing through CareCredit. Be sure to ask our administrative staff about your financing options when you make your appointment.
We Are Here For You!
At Country Club Dental Flagstaff, our team understands your concerns and causes for anxiety. And our staff is trained, not just in the best dental practices, but also in how to relate kindly and compassionately with our patients. We’re a gentle dental practice. From the time you enter our office to the time you leave, we are here for you! So pick up the phone and call us today to make an appointment for a dental cleaning, or for any procedure you may need.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1/4/2019) Pixaby