Getting Over Your Fear of the Dentist

At Gateway Dental Care in Pleasanton, CA, we are here to provide some tips on getting over your fear of the dentist. Providing our patients with gentle, comfortable, and high-quality dental care is our specialty. Regular dental check-ups are necessary for good oral hygiene. However, a visit to the dentist can cause some fear and anxiety at times. Not to worry, Dr. Francine Kitagawa and her staff are experts at helping patients feel at ease.

Dental Anxiety

Most people express anxiety to some degree about going to the dentist. Anxiety can be caused by many reasons, including fear of pain or discomfort, unfamiliar surroundings, fear of the unknown, or just a general feeling of uneasiness. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome a dental phobia. When you schedule your visit to Gateway Dental Care, we will help you with any questions or concerns you might have so you can rest assured that you will be in good hands.

Overcoming Your Fears

• Acknowledge your fear. Being a bit uneasy about going to the dentist is natural. Acknowledge your fear by talking to someone about your concerns. Often, fears can be alleviated just by talking to someone about them.
• Practice relaxation techniques. Try doing some focused breathing when you feel a surge of anxiety. Inhale deeply through your nostrils for 4 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Breathing slowly and deeply can help calm jittery nerves. Other relaxation techniques can include meditation, prayer, and visualization.
• Distract yourself. Distraction is a great way to overcome dental anxiety. Bring a smartphone or other device with some noise-canceling headphones and listen to your favorite audiobook or music. At Gateway Dental, we furnish each patient with private music to help provide a sense of calm and well-being.
• Find a dentist you trust. It’s important to find a dentist with whom you are comfortable. Talk to your dentist to get familiar with procedures and comfort options. Dr. Kitagawa is always happy to discuss any questions or concerns you might have.

Comfort Dentistry

At Gateway Dental, Dr. Kitagawa and her staff are committed to providing an atmosphere of comfort and well-being. Not only do we furnish personal music to each patient, but shades are also offered to protect against the glare of the lights and moisturizer is provided to protect lips from chapping or splitting.

Quality Care With A Gentle Touch

Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be scary. With state-of-the-art technology and dedication to the comfort of each patient, Dr. Kitagawa makes getting over your fear of the dentist even easier. Our office will give you quality care with a gentle touch. Call for your appointment today.