Bellingham Office
Mount Vernon Office
Medicaid NOT Accepted

Dental Anxiety

Request Appointment

Why Choose

Diamond Dental ?

  • 18+ Years Clinical Experience
  • Extensive Advanced Training in the Fields of
  • Implant & Restorative Dentistry
  • Advanced Orthodontics
  • Platinum+ Invisalign® Provider
  • General & Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Sleep Apnea
  • FELLOWSHIPS from Prestigious Post-Graduate Academies in Cosmetics and Implant Dentistry
  • State-of-the-Art Technology for Optimum Patient Care & Comfort
  • Cutting-Edge Cone Beam 3D CT Technology for Precise Implant Placement
  • ITero™ Intraoral Scanner – Impressionless Scanning
  • Low Dose Digital X-Rays
  • I've been going here to get my teeth cleaned for about 8 years now. I really enjoy the staff.
    BRYCE R.
    Smile makeover
  • I recommend EVERYTHING about Diamond Dental. Staff are fab. The attention to detail is excellent and when you walk out you just SMILE. I have to come see you guys very soon.
    ELLEN H.
    Smile makeover
  • I've been to the Bellingham Washington location many times and the staff and Dr. Ahmed are always very professional and courteous. Two thumbs up always!!!
    DAVE R.
    Smile makeover
SHOW MORE

Dental Anxiety

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you are not alone! Forty million Americans are so afraid of the dentist that they avoid going altogether, according to Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

Why is there such a high fear factor when it comes to the dentist? There are numerous reasons why people experience dental anxiety. Pain is the primary shared fear, followed by the worry that the dentist may hurry them out of the dental chair and miss an important issue. Additionally, many people have bad memories of going to the dentist as children, and for others, just the smell of the dental office can trigger their anxiety.

One thing however is certain; if these feelings of anxiety are not addressed, it will lead to avoidance of the dentist which in turn can lead to serious oral health problems often resulting in a need for more involved and expensive dental treatment down the line.

Talk About It

One way to lower anxiety levels is for you to talk with your dentist about your fears. Often a dentist can bring you comfort just by answering your questions and educating you about your dental needs. It is important to remember that dentists are trained to treat patients who are frightened. Often they have methods of intervention such as medication or sedation. To Learn More about sedation dentistry options click here.

Keep Calm and See Your Dentist

If you are nervous about visiting the dentist, try these tips:

  • SPEAK ABOUT YOUR FEARS. Tell your dentist and his staff about your anxiety. Sharing your concerns helps your dentist determine the best way to help you get through treatment.
  • REGULATE YOUR BREATHING. People tend to hold their breath when nervous, which leads to lower oxygen levels. Less oxygen can make the body feel pain more acutely. Try breathing in a slow, measured manner to reduce your stress.
  • LISTEN TO MUSIC. Bring along your earphones and favorite music to drown out the sound of the drill.
  • BE MINDFUL OF YOUR FOOD CHOICES. Definitely don’t go for that double espresso before hitting the dental chair. Caffeine can make you jittery. Instead, make sure to avoid sugary treats and eat high-protein foods instead. The right foods can make you feel calmer.
  • PRE-ARRANGE SIGNALS WITH YOUR DENTIST. Decide on some hand signals with your dental team before starting the procedure. This will let you communicate any feelings of discomfort and give you a greater feeling of control.
  • CHOOSE A NON-PRESSURED TIME FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT. Pick a time for your dental visit when you aren’t expected to be elsewhere or have other obligations. Early morning or late evening appointments or weekends may work better for you.
  • FEEL CONFIDENT IN YOUR DENTIST. Getting a good recommendation from friends and family for your dentist can allay your worries. Knowing you are being cared for by a competent doctor will make you feel more relaxed.

Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your dental anxiety and how we can help.

Contact Us

We are based in WA

Bellingham Office

102 South Samish Way
Bellingham, WA 98225

Mount Vernon Office

2120 Freeway Drive
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
LEARN MORE

Contact Us

  • Hidden
    MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Privacy Policy: We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe.
Please call us at the number below if you have any problems with the form.
Bellingham Office
(360) 583-4497
Mount Vernon Office
(360) 615-3631

Get in Touch

We are pleased to help you in any way we can. Contact us if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Dental Anxiety
camera-videokeyboard Skip to content