A Guide To Restorative Dentistry for Patients with Dental Anxiety

Many adults and children, are terrified of visiting the dentist for regular checkups and dental care. This is especially true for patients undergoing restorative dental procedures. Since most restorative dental treatments require extensive dental preparation, like surgery, enamel shaving, and drilling, many people are afraid of experiencing significant pain and discomfort.

Thanks to advancements in dental technology, dental professionals can now perform restorative dental care with ease and minimal pain and discomfort. Keep reading to learn more about restorative dentistry and dental anxiety.

What is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dental care focuses on repairing tooth defects to restore your teeth’ strength, function, and, sometimes, aesthetics. Since everyone has different conditions and needs, the type of restorative treatments used can range from simple to complex procedures.

Dental restorations can be used to address a variety of oral problems like:

• Tooth decay
• Tooth damage like chips, cracks, and breaks
• Missing teeth
• Gum disease
• Teeth gaps
• Worn down or eroded teeth
• Teeth overcrowded
• Dental trauma
• Misshapen or uneven teeth

Visit our dentist near you if you have any of these or other untreated oral issues.

Why Restorative Dentistry for Patients with Dental Anxiety?

Whether you have dental anxiety or not, restorative dental care is essential for optimal oral health. However, many people with dental fear avoid or delay dental procedures, eventually leading to more severe issues and further anxiety. Seeking prompt restorative dentistry ensures dental problems are treated early on before they worsen to cause more damage.

Restorative Dental Procedures for Patients with Dental Anxiety

Below are common restorative dental procedures used to improve the health, function, and appearance of your teeth, gums, and mouth:

Dental fillings:

Tooth filling involves removing the damaged parts of a tooth and covering the spaces left with a filling material. This prevents further tooth damage, alleviates pain, and improves your tooth’s strength, function, and appearance.

Dental crowns:

Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible part of the tooth. They help hold together and strengthen a severely damaged or weakened tooth.

Dental bridges:

Bridges consist of one or more customized artificial teeth that replace missing teeth. They improve your bite function, health, speech, and oral health.

Root canal therapy:

A root canal is used to treat tooth infections. This prevents further decay, alleviates pain, and saves your tooth.

Dental inlays and onlays:

When tooth damage is too extensive for a filling, the dentist can use inlays or onlays to repair the damage and improve the strength and function of your tooth.

Restorative Dentistry for Patients With Dental Anxiety

Below are dental anxiety treatments and techniques your dentist can use to manage anxiety during restorative dental treatments.

1. Sedation Dentistry

Dental sedation involves using sedative medications to calm or relax patients during dental procedures. Based on the type of restorative procedures and severity of your anxiety, sedation can range from mild to deep sedation. Common types of sedation for restorative dental care include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and intravenous sedation. Dental sedation reduces the fear of the dentist, helping you to undergo restorative dental procedures with much ease and comfort.

2. Laser Dentistry

Traditionally, dentists used scalpels, drills, and other invasive techniques to perform restorative procedures, which can cause severe dental phobia or anxiety. Using lasers, dentists can effectively treat a wide range of dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease with minimal pain and discomfort. This helps reduce dental anxiety and phobia in patients.

3. Digital Dentistry

Digital dental care involves the use of digital technology to perform dental appointments. For instance, your dentist performs computer-aided surgery instead of doing it manually. This makes dental treatments more effective, less invasive, and faster, which can help reduce dental anxiety and fear.

4. Clear Communication

Discussing the patient’s condition and concerns, the dental procedures they can expect, and answering their question can help make patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during dental appointments.

Benefits of Restorative Dentistry for Patients with Anxiety

Improved oral health:

Restorative dental treatments address oral problems, improving the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth.

Improved oral function:

Replacing or repairing damaged teeth with restorative dentistry helps you chew food and speak correctly.

Improved appearance and self-confidence:

Restorative treatments like dental implants can also enhance your smile’s aesthetics, boosting your self-confidence and esteem.

Improved oral comfort:

Dental issues like decay and cracks can cause significant discomfort or pain. Restorative dentistry helps treat these issues, alleviating pain and other associated symptoms.

Improved quality of life:

Restorative dentistry effectively treats your dental defects, restoring your ability to eat, speak, brush, and laugh without discomfort or embarrassment. This positively impacts your overall health and well-being.

Are You Interested in Restorative Dentistry?

Do you have untreated dental problems like tooth decay, missing teeth, or gum disease? Don’t wait for your condition to progress. Contact Edgartown Dental Group to book your consultation with our dentist in Edgartown, MA.