Anxiety and fear may prevent you from visiting the dentist, thereby avoiding the preventive dental care you need to stay healthy. May is Mental Health Month, and Dr. Locke would like to discuss how you can ease your mind and overcome your dental fears in Waco.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
According to Mental Health America, more than 40 million Americans are affected by anxiety disorders each year. Anxiety disorders are mental illnesses that cause people to experience feelings of worry, panic, and terror for no apparent reason. Similarly, a phobia is an irrational fear of something that poses no actual danger. Anxiety may be caused by previous traumatic experiences, lack of control, and fear of the future unknown results. When left untreated, anxiety makes people avoid certain situations. Symptoms of anxiety include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Trembling
- Nausea
- Muscle tension
- Heart pounding
Relieving Dental Phobia
Dr. Locke is a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and has practiced sedation dentistry for over 20 years. Oral sedation can help relax your nerves and achieve mental wellness during your appointment. For oral sedation, you will take a pill one hour before your appointment. The medication will relax your body and mind so you can rest comfortably during the procedure. After the appointment, most oral sedation patients have little memory of the treatment. Providing a safe, comfortable environment at one appointment will eliminate your fears for future visits.
Dr. Locke will listen to your concerns and create a custom treatment plan that will restore your confidence. Contact our Waco dentist office at (254) 776-4888 to schedule a relaxing dental appointment. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and the surrounding Central Texas area.