Patient comfort is an important factor in all dentistry performed by Dr. Engelberg at AH Smiles. Whether you are receiving a dental filling or a root canal, our goal is to ensure that your procedure is as pain-free as possible. We utilize some of the leading technology for pain-free dentistry so that you can relax from the moment you sit in the dentist’s chair until you leave our office with a clean, healthy smile.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Avoiding the dentist because of fear and anxiety often leads to complex dental problems that detrimentally affect your quality of life. Dr. Engelberg works patiently with patients who have been away from the dentist and need to restore their smile. He takes the time to educate them on all aspects of their treatment and improve their experience with pain-free procedures.
There are three key components to a pain-free experience at Arlington Heights Smiles:
- Topical Anesthetic Gel: First, a smooth topical anesthetic gel is applied to the treatment area and gently massaged into the tissue to begin the numbing process.
- DentalVibe®: The second step is to apply a handheld device called a DentalVibe®, which vibrates the numbed area at a specific frequency, which will prevent the stimulation of local pain receptors.
- The Wand® & STA® & CompuDent®: The final step is the pain-free injection of computer-assisted anesthetic using The Wand®. This computerized anesthetic delivery system provides a steady, consistent drip of anesthetic for a comfortable, pain-free dental procedure.
In addition to the above technology, Drs. Engelberg offers sedation dentistry for patients needing or desiring to be completely relaxed during their dental procedure.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
If the thought of visiting the dentist makes you feel uneasy, you are not alone. Dental anxiety is very common, and it usually comes from a few specific places. Understanding why you feel this way is the first step toward feeling better about dental care.
A Bad Experience in the Past
For many people, dental anxiety starts with one bad memory. Maybe you had a procedure that hurt more than you expected. Maybe you felt rushed or not listened to. If that happened when you were a child, the memory can stick with you for years.
We understand that. We cannot change what happened before. But we can show you that dental care does not have to be that way.
Fear of the Unknown
It is natural to feel nervous about something you do not fully understand. Dental instruments look strange. The sounds are unfamiliar. You might not know exactly what is going to happen next.
That uncertainty can make your mind imagine the worst. The good news is that knowledge helps. When we explain each step before we do it, the unknown becomes known. And that takes much of the fear away.
Feeling Out of Control
Sitting in a dental chair can make you feel vulnerable. You are lying back. Someone is working inside your mouth. You cannot see what is happening.
For some people, this loss of control is the hardest part. That is why we always encourage you to speak up. If you need a break, just raise your hand. If you want us to explain what we are doing, just ask. You are in charge of your care. We are just here to help.
Fear of Pain
Many people expect dental visits to hurt. Maybe you have heard stories from friends or family. Maybe you have felt pain before.
We take this fear seriously. Dr. Engelberg uses the latest techniques and numbing methods to keep you comfortable. And if your anxiety is high, we offer sedation options so you can relax completely. Pain doesn’t have to be part of the experience.
Fear of Judgment
Some patients put off dental visits because they feel embarrassed. They worry the dentist will scold them for not flossing enough or for having cavities.
Please know that we will never judge you. Our job is not to make you feel bad about the past. Our job is to help you move forward and get your smile healthy. We meet you where you are, with zero shame.
Fear of Needles
If the sight of a needle makes you nervous, you are in good company. Many people feel this way. We are gentle and careful, and we can often use numbing gel before any injection, so you barely feel it. If needles are a major concern for you, let us know. We can talk about other options.
Underlying Anxiety
Sometimes dental anxiety is part of a bigger picture. If you live with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or a specific phobia, dental visits can feel overwhelming. That is okay. We are trained to work with patients who have high anxiety. We will go at your pace and never push you past what you can handle.
Myths and Misconceptions
There is a lot of misinformation out there. Old movies, scary stories, and outdated ideas can make dental treatment seem worse than it really is.
The truth is that dentistry has changed. Technology is better. Numbing is better. Comfort is a priority. We are happy to answer any questions and separate fact from fiction.
Let Us Help You Move Past the Fear
No matter what is causing your anxiety, we are here to help. Call us or request an appointment online. Let us talk about your fears in a safe, no-pressure environment. You deserve care that feels good.
Patient Review
Dental Anxiety FAQs
Many patients suffer from some form of dental anxiety. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How common is dental anxiety?
Dental Anxiety is very common among all age groups and people. Studies show that 75% of people in America feel emotions of fear and anxiety before going to the dentist. 5-10% of that group consider their fear so strong that they consider it a phobia. You are not alone if you are feeling anxious before your dentist appointment. Most of dentist patients feel the same way, so dentists deal with these feelings often.
How can I cope with dental anxiety?
When struggling with dental anxiety, it is important to remember that more than half of dental patients also struggle with this as well. If you communicate with your dentist about your anxiety, they have a variety of ways to ease any concerns. They can use a stronger numbing agent, be gentler for your procedure, and even sedate you for serious procedures.
What are the signs and symptoms of dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety can be shown in a variety of ways. Feeling physically ill when thinking about going to the dentist, insomnia the night before going to the dentist, struggling to breathe while undergoing dental treatment, nausea, and nervous feelings before visiting the dentist are all signs you may be experiencing dental anxiety.
Can I get sedation for dental anxiety?
If calming techniques and breathing exercises are not enough, we can provide dental sedation. We may recommend oral sedatives when needed to help with dental anxiety. Along with enhanced anesthetic measures, these medications allow patients to feel relaxed during treatment while remaining awake and cooperative.
Schedule a Dental Exam with our Dentist in Arlington Heights, IL
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brent Engelberg in Arlington Heights, contact our office at (847) 230-9703 or use our convenient online request form, and we will contact you shortly. We welcome new patients from many local communities, including Long Grove, IL, Deerfield, IL, Northbrook, IL, Buffalo Grove, IL, and Arlington Heights, IL.