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You’re Not Alone in Feeling Nervous About the Dentist
Feeling anxious before a dental visit is incredibly common. Many people worry about pain, sounds, or simply the unknown. At Lockwood Family Dental in Lockwood, MT, we understand that fear can keep patients from getting the care they need — but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Dr. Brysen Hansen and our dental team are committed to creating a calm, reassuring experience for every patient. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, we’ll help you feel safe, informed, and in control every step of the way.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety can come from a variety of factors:
- A previous negative dental experience
- Fear of pain or needles
- Embarrassment about your teeth
- Feeling a lack of control in the chair
- Sensitivity to sounds or smells in the dental office
Understanding why you feel anxious is the first step toward addressing it. Once you identify the triggers, you can work with your dental team to find the best coping methods for you.
About 36% of people experience some form of dental anxiety, and nearly 12% experience extreme dental fear that prevents regular visits.
Why It’s Important to Address Dental Anxiety
Avoiding the dentist can lead to more serious oral health issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or infections that might require more advanced care later.
When you manage your anxiety and come in for regular exams, Dr. Hansen can detect problems early, often preventing the need for more complex treatments.
Our team believes that trust, communication, and comfort are key to changing how you feel about dental visits.
Tips to Ease Dental Anxiety Before Your Appointment
If you’ve been avoiding dental care because of fear, these practical tips can help you prepare and feel more at ease:
1. Communicate Your Concerns
Be open with Dr. Brysen Hansen and our team about your worries. We’ll explain each step, answer questions, and make adjustments to help you feel in control.
2. Bring a Friend or Family Member
Having someone you trust with you can help you feel calmer, especially during your first visit back.
3. Schedule a Morning Appointment
Morning appointments can reduce stress because you’ll have less time to anticipate your visit during the day.
4. Listen to Calming Music
Bring headphones and play soft, relaxing music to help drown out sounds from dental instruments.
5. Practice Deep Breathing
Try slow, deep breaths before and during your appointment. It helps lower your heart rate and calm your nervous system.
6. Ask About Sedation Options
For patients with significant anxiety, Lockwood Family Dental offers sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation. These methods help you stay relaxed while remaining comfortable and aware.
Learn more in our related post: What Is Sedation Dentistry at Lockwood Family Dental?
How Sedation Dentistry Helps
Sedation dentistry can make a huge difference for patients with dental anxiety. It allows you to feel calm and comfortable throughout your visit, often with little memory of the procedure afterward.
At Lockwood Family Dental, we offer:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) – a light, fast-acting sedative that helps you relax but wears off quickly.
- Oral sedation – a prescribed medication taken before your visit to ease your nerves.
- IV sedation or general anesthesia – for patients needing a deeper level of relaxation during longer or more complex procedures.
What to Expect During a Calm Dental Visit
When you visit Lockwood Family Dental, you’ll be greeted by a caring team that understands your concerns.
- We’ll start by discussing your comfort level and explain what will happen during your visit.
- You can ask to pause at any time if you need a break.
- We’ll use gentle techniques and advanced tools to minimize discomfort.
Dr. Hansen takes the time to ensure you’re comfortable before beginning any treatment.
Building Confidence Through Consistent Care
The more positive dental visits you have, the easier it becomes to return. Many of our patients who once felt anxious now feel comfortable and confident coming in regularly for cleanings and exams.
Our goal is to replace fear with familiarity — helping you feel calm, cared for, and supported from start to finish.
Start Your Journey to Stress-Free Dental Care
You deserve a healthy smile and a comfortable dental experience. At Lockwood Family Dental in Lockwood, MT, we’ll help you overcome fear with compassion, communication, and gentle care.
If you’ve been putting off an appointment, contact our friendly team today. Let us show you how easy and comfortable your next dental visit can be.
