Are fear and anxiety keeping you from visiting the dentist? If you are afraid of going to the dentist or get anxious while there, you are not alone! About 60 percent of adults have dental anxiety. There is even a Cedar Rapids dentist who understands dental anxiety because she experienced it herself! Because of dentophobia as a child, Dr. Paula Kral of Dental Health Partners has built a dental practice around judgment-free care in a comfortable, home-like environment.
Dr. Paula’s Dental Anxiety Story
Dr. Paula’s story goes back to when she was about 5 years old. When her first molars were coming in, she became ill. Unfortunately, the medications that were prescribed to make her well affected how the enamel on those molars developed.
“Illnesses and medications can cause enamel dysplasia, which makes teeth more sensitive and harder to treat,” Dr. Paula explains.
Even though her father was a dentist, she was anxious about treatment — probably because her teeth were sensitive. She was taken to another dentist, who, like many dentists at that time, had an overpowering manner that was the opposite of reassuring.
Some of the phrases Paula heard from him and other dental caregivers — “Just a little bee sting” and “That didn’t hurt you!” — may seem harmless. However, to a child who was scared of bees and experiencing real pain, they were very disturbing things to hear!
Dr. Paula’s goal in becoming a dentist was to treat people better than she was treated. That is why Dental Health Partners is a judgment-free zone where patients feel heard. She, Dr. Ashley, and the care team all have empathy for people who get nervous about dental care.
“Having been there myself, I understand why so many people are anxious about the dentist. In our office, we listen to patients and validate their feelings and their pain,” Dr. Paula says. “Hearing their concerns makes them feel less anxious and more at ease.”
Her education at The University of Iowa School of Dentistry helped her realize that she was not alone. In fact, there are many people who are very sensitive to dental treatment.
Addressing Dental Anxiety With Comfort and Trust
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Dental Health Partners is the inviting, home-like environment. When working on building the office, Dr. Paula focused on making it more calming and less clinical. The waiting room has plenty of seating for adults with magazines and TVs. The separate playroom provides a place where children can settle in before their visit. Treatment rooms have televisions above the chairs, and the rooms face the backyard, where patients can often see birds and wildlife.
In addition to this soothing setting, the dental care team takes the time to ensure you will be pain-free during your visit. That includes gentle cleanings, exams, radiographs, and scans. The team takes the time to allow anesthetics to take effect.
“Our team always makes sure the topical anesthetic has numbed the mouth before an injection. We also take our time giving injections, which eases the discomfort people associate with shots. Most people never feel a thing when we administer anesthesia, which is how it should be.”
For very anxious children and adults, the dentists can prescribe valium to be taken prior to appointments. Dr. Paula says that few people require sedation, but for those who need it, it helps make the experience so much better by starting with a calm and relaxed state.
Navigating Insurance Concerns
Some people get nervous about the cost of dental care. If navigating insurance and the cost of treatment frays your nerves, Dental Health Partners will help.
“We always submit treatment plans and claims to dental insurance companies so you know up front what your responsibility will be,” says Dr. Paula. “Our staff can also help you understand your benefits and work with you on payment options.”
Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety
Dental Health Partners in Cedar Rapids offers several comforts to children and adults with dental anxiety. These include TVs to watch, blankets for warmth and comfort, and oral sedation, when necessary. Dr. Paula’s tips for managing anxiety during your dental visit include:
- Communicate openly with your dentist:
- What scares you, such as pain, sound, treatment, etc.
- What you’re feeling during your visit
- Ask for time to adjust as needed
- Request oral sedatives to take prior to your visit
- Take deep breaths whenever you feel anxious or uncomfortable.
- Listen to calming music while receiving treatment.
- Bring a weighted blanket or stuffed toy that brings comfort.
- Wear noise cancelling headphones to reduce overstimulation.
- Watch TV during your cleaning or procedure.
- Bring a calming companion with you.
“No one but you knows what you are feeling,” says Dr. Paula. “If you are extremely anxious at the dentist’s office and haven’t been to the dentist for a while, we understand. We encourage you to visit with us to learn more about the ways we make dentist visits more comfortable and positive.”
Dental Anxiety FAQ
What can we do to help our children with dental anxiety?
Some of the things you can do to help your child at the dentist include:
- Being a calm presence before, during, and after their visits.
- Bringing their favorite toy, blanket, or weighted blanket along as a comfort.
- Encouraging them to communicate and breathe.
- Choosing a dentist that understands pediatric dental anxiety.
Dental Health Partners specializes in treating children with dental anxiety. Our office is a judgment-free zone. In addition, having a dentist who experienced dental anxiety as a child provides our team with special insight.
I am afraid of needles. What should I do about that?
Needles aren’t required for regular dental checkups. When we do need to administer an injection of anesthetic for a procedure, we will ensure you are fully numbed with a topical anesthetic before administering other anesthetics. It takes a little time to numb the gums, but it is worth it. Few patients even realize we have used a needle.
What can I do about the noise at the dentist’s office?
Consider noise-cancelling headphones to minimize the unusual sounds you may hear at the dentist. They can minimize the noise and help avoid getting triggered by loud noises.
What does Dental Health Partners do for people with dental anxiety?
- We always address patient concerns, including pain and anxiety
- We validate and empathize with patients
- We never judge patients
- We understand pain and anxiety are not something you can control
- We prescribe oral sedatives for very anxious patients to take prior to their visit
- We allow topical anesthetic to take effect to minimize discomfort
- We use smaller needles and slower injection technique
- We encourage you to ask questions and tell us how you’re feeling
Dental Health Partners of Cedar Rapids is here to help with dental anxiety and general dentistry. Please contact us to discuss dental anxiety.
