The Truth About Dental Anxiety & How We Can Help You Overcome It
If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes your heart race, you’re not alone.
Dental anxiety is incredibly common for kids, teens, and adults alike. Whether it stems from a past experience, fear of pain, or just general uneasiness, it can hold people back from getting the care they need.
Here at Goehring Dental in Austin, TX, we believe everyone deserves a positive, stress-free dental experience. That’s why we make it a priority to understand your concerns and help you feel safe, heard, and comfortable from the moment you walk in!
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is more than just nerves. It can include:
Difficulty sleeping the night before an appointment
Feeling physically ill at the thought of going to the dentist
A racing heart or shortness of breath in the dental office
Avoiding appointments altogether
Sometimes, dental anxiety is tied to a specific trigger like the sound of a drill or fear of needles. Other times, it’s a general sense of discomfort around dental care. But no matter the cause, we’re here to help you manage it!
How We Help You Feel More Comfortable
We’ve designed our approach to ease anxiety at every step:
1. Compassionate Communication
We listen first. Before we do anything, we take time to talk through your concerns, explain your treatment options, and answer your questions. When you feel informed and in control, anxiety tends to fade.
2. A Calm, Judgment-Free Environment
You’ll never be rushed, shamed, or made to feel like your fear is “silly.” We’ve created a welcoming, relaxed space where you’re free to speak up, take breaks, and move at your own pace.
3. Gentle, Modern Techniques
From numbing options to minimally invasive tools, we use advanced technology and gentle techniques that make treatment smoother and more comfortable. Many patients are surprised by how easy their appointment feels once it’s over.
4. Sedation Dentistry Options
If your anxiety is more intense or you need a little extra help feeling calm, we offer several sedation options. Sedation dentistry allows you to relax throughout your visit while we take care of your smile.
Dr. Goehring is fully licensed and credentialed in IV sedation and maintains up-to-date certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support each year. With over 350 sedation cases performed annually, both he and our team are highly experienced in keeping patients safe and comfortable. Whether you need light relaxation or deeper sedation for more complex care, we’ll guide you through your options and tailor the approach to your needs.
5. Personalized Care for Every Patient
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care, especially when it comes to dental anxiety. We’ll tailor your visit based on your comfort level and work with you to build trust, appointment by appointment.
The Benefits of Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Skipping dental visits can lead to bigger problems later such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. But the good news is, it’s never too late to take care of your smile! Once patients begin to feel more at ease during dental visits, they often experience:
Healthier teeth and gums
Reduced need for emergency treatment
Lower overall dental costs
Greater confidence in their smile
Here at Goehring Dental, we’ve helped countless patients overcome their fear of the dentist and we’d be honored to do the same for you. It all starts with a conversation and a dental team that truly cares.
If dental anxiety has kept you away from the care you need, we’re here to help!
Contact Goehring Dental today for a low-stress, judgment-free visit. We’ll meet you with compassion and care, every step of the way! Give us a call at (512) 892-8822 or contact us by filling out the form below.