Are you one of the many people who shudder at the mere thought of a dental appointment? If so, you have nothing to feel badly about. By one estimate, some 15 percent of the people in the United States have some level of dental anxiety. At Aberdeen Smiles in Aberdeen, SD, Dr. Julie Drake and our staff are committed to easing people’s dental anxiety so they can comfortably get the dental care they need.

Anxiety Is Normal And Natural

Everyone experiences some level of anxiety at some point in their lives. Anxiety basically means that you don’t know what’s going to happen, and not knowing bothers you. Dental anxiety is simply a more focused type of anxiety that is often due to a poor experience with a previous dentist.

Fear of pain is also universal, and that’s one of the reasons people often give for not getting needed dental care. Whether it’s the slight pain of the needle used for local anesthesia, or the pain that can come after a dental procedure, it’s normal to want to avoid it. For some people, though, the thought of dental pain is tied to a very bad experience earlier in their lives. That can make the prospect of a dental appointment very scary, indeed.

At Aberdeen Smiles in Aberdeen, SD, we understand dental anxiety and we don’t judge. Our entire focus is on helping you to relax and to have a truly comfortable dental appointment so that you can get the care you need.

If you think the idea of relaxing during a dental appointment is silly, let us tell you how we go about providing your best dental appointment ever.

Welcome To Our Dental Spa

Dentists’ office can seem like cold and sterile places. Our office is 180 degrees away from that. The moment you walk through the door, you’ll feel like you’re in a spa. Our caring staff will greet you warmly and will be happy to answer any questions or to address any concerns you might have. There’s a calm and relaxed atmosphere throughout our entire office.

Once you’re seated in one of our massaging dental chairs – they get rave reviews from everyone, by the way – we’ll continue to pamper you with a warm blanket, if you like, and even a paraffin wax hand treatment! Just ask.

Absolutely nothing happens until you tell us that you’re ready to proceed. We know that people respond differently to local anesthesia, so for us, you’re not completely numb until you let us know.

Dr. Drake and our staff pride themselves on providing effective, yet quick, dental care. That reduces your time in the chair and makes appointments easier to tolerate.

Some people, though, need a little more help relaxing. That’s fine with us. We’re happy to provide inhaled sedation that cause a sense of relaxation and even euphoria during your appointment! Inhaled sedation has been used in dentistry for about a century, and it’s so safe that it’s even approved for use in children. The effects wear off very quickly, so you should be fine to drive yourself to and from your appointment – one less thing to worry about.

You Don’t Have To Fear The Dentist

Let Dr. Valerie Drake and our warm, caring staff show you just how relaxed a dental appointment can be. In Aberdeen, SD, call Aberdeen Smiles at 605-277-9049 for an appointment. We’ll take great care of you.