An estimated nine to fifteen percent of Americans avoid dental appointments because of fear or anxiety. If you are among them and consider yourself to be a dental coward, you’re by no means alone. Atlanta dentist Dr. Debra Gray King and her team cater to cowards—so much so that many of our previously anxious and fearful patients now look forward to their visits with us.
Cater-to-Cowards Techniques
We start with a welcoming and friendly environment. When you arrive as a new patient, your visit will be unhurried. Your treatment coordinator will give you an escorted tour of our office to help you get comfortable with your surroundings.
We are prompt in taking you into a treatment room and having you seen by one of our dental hygienists or dentists, which can reduce some of the anxiety that often results from waiting for an extended period. We take the time to listen to your concerns, and we welcome your questions. We don’t rush or pressure you into treatment. Your treatment options will be explained to you. Before you receive treatment, we will explain what will take place, so you know what to expect.
For your comfort during your dental procedure, we offer music, movies, neck pillows, blankets, warm face towels, calming sound-wave dental chairs, and a chairside hand massage. We make the effort to help you focus on relaxing, instead of on the sights and sounds of dental equipment.
Our hygienists and dentists have a friendly and calming manner, as confirmed by the comments below from two of our patients:
Atlanta Center for Cosmetic Dentistry provides such a relaxing atmosphere and experience that you will wonder why you didn’t go there earlier. They are super nice folks who genuinely care about their clients.” – Bruce G.
Everyone made me feel so welcome and special! I was very nervous, but everyone made me feel so comfortable! They are very professional, yet personable.” – Linda L.
Our dentists are gentle. They use a computerized, handheld device to deliver pain-free injections. Many anxious patients become so comfortable and at ease with us that their overall level of anxiety is reduced, and they begin to enjoy dental visits. For patients with a higher level of anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry.
Sedation Dentistry Can Help
Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to help you relax. We offer three levels of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide – When you breathe in this colorless, odorless gas (also referred to as laughing gas), it has a calming effect. It relieves anxiety and helps you have a pleasant dental experience. We offer complimentary nitrous oxide to our patients.
- Oral conscious sedation – In advance of your dental appointment, you will take oral, anti-anxiety medication for a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide provides. You will still be conscious, and your vital signs will be monitored. It is unlikely that you will remember what occurred during your dental procedure.
- IV sedation – Anti-anxiety medication is administered intravenously. This appeals to many patients because it works quickly. If you remember your dental appointment at all, it will only be a vague memory.
Visit our sedation dentistry page for more details on how it can help you have a pleasant and productive appointment.
An Appointment with a Cater to Cowards Dentist
Helping you maintain good oral health in a relaxing environment is our priority. We welcome you to experience the difference that Dr. King and her staff can make as we cater to your needs and help you have positive dental experiences. Call us to request an appointment, or complete our Request an Appointment form.
