Overcome Dental Anxiety | Felton Dentistry

Let Us Show You How Anxiety-Free Dentistry Can Be

Many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist, so don’t feel bad if the thought of making a dental appointment causes your heart to race. However, the team at Felton Dentistry can help. We work hard to relieve dental anxiety for all our patients. When you rely on us for your smile care, you can expect:

A compassionate staff who will listen to your needs and fully answer your questions
An inviting office environment – featuring a cozy fireplace – that will help you feel right at home
Thoughtful amenities like soft pillows, warm blankets, and bottled water for comfort

Gentle care and respect at all times, without any judgment or guilt
A stress-free appointment using patient-friendly tools and technology

Call us today to experience comfortable dentistry: 804-717-2099. Our team is waiting to provide you great care with a gentle touch!

Tips to Ease a Fear of the Dentist

Both kids and adults experience fear of the dentist. As an adult, even though you know visiting the dentist for regular check-ups is important to your health, it can be difficult to get over the anxiety and book your appointment.

For you, it might be the sterile smell, the buzzing and drilling sounds, or someone in your personal space that makes seeing the dentist a negative and anxiety-inducing experience. For some, a painful or unpleasant past experience, a fear of needles, or lack of control, or even embarrassment can be the reason behind the fear.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there are ways to help manage your uneasiness about going to the dentist. It’s important to note, though, that while dental anxiety and general nervousness about a dental appointment is normal, if you’re terrified of the dentist, you could have a dental phobia. If that’s the case for you, you may need to seek help from a behavioral health provider.

Discuss your fears with your dentist, so they can work with you to determine the best way to lessen your anxieties
Have your dentist explain in detail what will happen during your procedure

Establish a stop signal, so that if you need to rinse your mouth or catch your breath, you can let your dentist know
Listen to music or watch a screen to help distract you
Discuss medication and sedation options with your dentist

How to Help Your Child Be Comfortable at the Dentist

Children often learn their fear of the dentist from others, especially parents or caregivers. The good news is, that means you play an important role in making visits to the dentist a positive, rather than scary, event for your child.

To help your child’s dental visit go as smoothly as possible, you can:

Let our dentists or hygienists help describe procedures to your child. They’ve been trained to do this in a way that is non-threatening and easy for a child to understand.
Avoid sharing your negative dental experiences with your child. They can pick up on your anxiety, so try to remain calm for their benefit.
Educate your child on the importance of good dental hygiene and taking care of their gums and teeth. Remember, the dentists at Felton Dentistry are here to help you with this.
Let us know if your child is scared, so that we can help them cope with these anxieties.
Using headphones or screens can be helpful as well.
Have your child read a children’s book about going to the dentist. It can help put visiting the dentist in a positive light.

Relax and Get the Gentle Dental Care You Deserve

Some of our patients need a little extra help to calm their anxious nerves. For these patients, we can prescribe an FDA-approved anti-anxiety pill. You’ll simply take this small pill before your appointment as directed.

By the time you’re nestled into one of our comfy dental chairs – featuring back-soothing lumbar support – you’ll feel completely relaxed. The pill will put you at ease, and you may feel groggy, but your dental visit won’t concern you at all.

This relaxation method is especially helpful if you have an extended appointment scheduled or if dental anxiety cripples you to the point of fear.

At Felton Dentistry in Chester, VA Your Needs Come First

Providing you with high-quality dental care in a comfortable atmosphere is our top priority. Whether you visit us for routine cleanings and exams or need relief from a nagging toothache, your care will always be designed to suit your needs.

You’ll find that our preventive care (such as fluoride treatments and tooth sealants) will go a long way toward eliminating the need for specialized treatment down the road. However, if you do need restorative or cosmetic services, we’ll plan your treatment with as few office visits as possible, making your care convenient and stress-free.

When you need help to relieve dental anxiety, turn to our compassionate team. Call us today at 804-717-2099 to schedule your appointment. Experience comfortable dentistry like never before!

What Our Patients are Saying

Great staff. We were brought back too our appointment on time and the whole process was professional and friendly

Charlene Davis

I came in for an extraction about a month ago. The experience was great! The assistant was so sweet, and made sure to distract me and talk about dogs :).... Read More

Ashley Rose

Very friendly staff. Dental hygienist and dentist were very helpful and knowledgeable. I love the professionalism of this staff.

Sandra Parham
I avoid the Dentist at all costs, however, I have been in excruciating pain for 3 days and knew my normal “it will pass” method wasn’t going to work this... Read More

Melissa Perrine

Honest to God 🙏 best experience I ever seen from the front staff to the dental assistant and to the doctor excellent service very friendly highly recommended

Nazmi Habiballah

Been with Dr Felton for over 20 years. Service is great and the staff is always helpful and friendly.

Patricia Nichols
Experienced worst tooth pain in my life call Dr. Felton's office was seen right away, he treated me pain-free. He and staff very professional and caring. He and his... Read More staff are the best.

Jane Haycox

Wonderful experience. Staff members were so kind and attentive. They cared so much for my well being. Arlene especially was kind and gracious. I will be going back.

Teddy Cogbill

I Love the knowledgeable care and gentilness of Dr. Felton and dentists here, (I was scared to death of dentists)the care, the knowledge and patience of the hygienist and... Read More

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