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Pain Free DentistryArlington Heights, IL

Patient comfort is an important factor in all dentistry performed by Dr. Engelberg at Arlington Heights 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 due to 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 improving 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 area to be treated and gently massaged into the tissue, beginning the numbing process.
  • DentalVibe®: the second step is to apply a hand held 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?

One of the main causes of dental anxiety is a previous negative experience at the dentist. Many people develop dental anxiety after experiencing pain, discomfort, or fear during a dental procedure. This can create a lasting impression and make individuals wary of seeking dental care in the future. Additionally, if a person had a traumatic experience at the dentist as a child, it can contribute to the development of dental anxiety later in life.
 
Another common cause of dental anxiety is fear of the unknown. Dental procedures can be intimidating for many people because they involve unfamiliar instruments, noises, and sensations. The fear of not knowing what to expect during a dental visit can be enough to trigger anxiety in some individuals. This fear is often exacerbated by stories or depictions of dental visits in media that portray them as painful or unpleasant experiences.
 
Fear of losing control is another significant factor in the development of dental anxiety. Many people feel vulnerable and helpless when they are in the dentist’s chair, which can trigger feelings of anxiety and discomfort. The lack of control over the situation can be overwhelming for some individuals, leading to heightened fear and anxiety surrounding dental visits.
 
Additionally, the fear of judgment or criticism from the dentist can also contribute to dental anxiety. Some people feel self-conscious about the state of their teeth or oral hygiene and worry about being scolded or shamed by the dentist. This fear of being judged can prevent individuals from seeking dental care and exacerbate their anxiety when they do have to visit the dentist.
 
Another common cause of dental anxiety is the fear of pain. Many people associate dental procedures with pain and discomfort, which can trigger anxiety and fear of undergoing treatment. This fear of pain can be rooted in past experiences or stories heard from others, and it can prevent individuals from seeking necessary dental care.
 
Furthermore, individuals with a fear of needles or medical procedures in general may also experience dental anxiety. The sight of dental instruments or the thought of injections can trigger fear and anxiety in these individuals, making it difficult for them to seek dental treatment.
 
In some cases, dental anxiety can be linked to underlying mental health issues such as anxiety disorders or phobias. Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or specific phobias may be more prone to developing dental anxiety due to their heightened fear response. Addressing these underlying mental health issues is essential in managing dental anxiety effectively.
 
Lastly, negative beliefs or misconceptions about dental care can also contribute to dental anxiety. Some individuals may have heard myths or misinformation about dental procedures that instill fear and anxiety in them. These beliefs can create barriers to seeking dental care and perpetuate feelings of anxiety and avoidance.

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 peoples. 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 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.

What causes dental anxiety?

Most people develop a fear of the dentist based on a past experience. Dental anxiety is so common it has become a widespread, and popular idea that the dentist is a scary place. Some people experience anxiety surrounding the idea of the dentist because they have a fear of needles, or injections. Some people feel uncomfortable and claustrophobic being surrounded with hands in their mouth and people staring at their face.

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.

Who is affected by dental anxiety?

Patients of all ages can experience dental anxiety. While children often have dental anxiety because they fear pain or loud noises, adult patients can also experience dental anxiety. Adults with anxiety disorders, previous negative dental experiences, or complex dental problems may also have 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.