How to Overcome Dental Anxiety: A Dentist’s Advice

Feb 11, 2025

At TKO Dentistry, we understand that some of our valued patients dread the thought of stepping into a dentist’s office. Dr. Maria Wytko and her patient-centered team are dedicated to providing a dental practice where you feel safe and comfortable while receiving exceptional care. We are also pleased to offer sedation dentistry options to help our valued patients feel calm and relaxed in the dentist’s chair. 

Sedation dentistry involves using medications to create a calm and relaxed state, ensuring our valued patients enjoy anxiety-free care. At TKO Dentistry, we offer a range of sedation options, including the following: 

Nitrous Oxide: Better known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide has been used for decades in dentistry and has a high safety record. This inhaled form of minimal sedation involves breathing nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a mask placed on the nose. Once your treatment is over, the effects of the gas will wear off right away, so you can drive home safely and resume your everyday activities without interruption. 

Oral Conscious Sedation: This form of mild to moderate sedation involves taking an oral medication before the procedure to help you relax during treatment. You may feel sleepy but will be responsive to directions. You may not remember much of your time during treatment. Oral sedation takes some time to wear off, so you’ll need a trusted adult to accompany you and drive you home. 

General Anesthesia: We are happy to offer general anesthesia for individuals with severe dental anxiety, those requiring extensive procedures, or patients with special healthcare needs. Our team will monitor you before, throughout, and after treatment to ensure your safety and well-being. 

Sedation dentistry offers numerous benefits, including the following: 

  • Improves Your Patient Experience: It helps transform potentially stressful dental appointments into more pleasant ones.
  • Ensures Patients Get the Needed Dental Care: It is ideal for patients with past traumatic dental experiences, those requiring complex or lengthy treatments, or individuals with severe dental anxiety or phobia. 
  • Helps Create a Calm and Relaxed State: It allows you to feel relaxed during treatment, making it easier to receive the dental care you need. 
  • Reduces Discomfort: It can help minimize discomfort during treatment, providing a more positive dental care experience. 
  • Saves You Time: Dr. Wytko can perform more procedures in fewer visits, taking less time out of your busy schedule. 
  • Helps Reduce Fear of the Dentist: It helps build positive associations with the dentist, making future dental care less stressful. 

Here are some things you can do to overcome your dental anxiety: 

  • Speak with Us: We are here to listen to you, discuss your treatment options, and offer solutions to help you feel more comfortable. 
  • Choose a Signal: Let’s agree on a signal, such as raising your hand if you feel uncomfortable at any point of treatment. 
  • Practice Mindfulness: Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, guided imagery, or meditation, can help calm your nerves during treatment. 
  • Bring Distractions: A favorite podcast or relaxing music can help keep your mind off treatment. 
  • Opt for Sedation Dentistry: You may want to consider one of our sedation dentistry options to help you relax as we provide the care you need. 

At TKO Dentistry, we understand that getting the needed dental care can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Dr. Wytko and her patient-centered team are dedicated to providing top-tier care with a gentle, compassionate touch. With our sedation dentistry options, state-of-the-art technology, and cutting-edge techniques, you can count on us for the best possible patient experience. 

We invite you to call us at (480) 896-7888 to schedule an appointment or follow this link to request one today! We look forward to caring for all your dental needs!