Dental Anxiety Santa Monica, CA

Many patients suffer from dental anxiety that prevents them from visiting the dentist. If you are one of these people experiencing a debilitating fear of the dentist, Dr. Dall’Olmo understands. He hears you and can help you. Our dental care team collaborates to provide a patient-focused, positive, compassionate dentist office environment.

Our unique approach to dentistry, combined with sedation dentistry options, helps patients overcome their dental anxiety to maintain and restore their oral health. Our dental office has solutions for dental anxiety and other dental concerns that you may have.

Causes of Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can range anywhere from mild uneasiness when entering the dentist office to a debilitating fear that prevents you from entering the office altogether. The fear gets worse as the appointment gets closer. Panic and restlessness are common, and sometimes, the fear can manifest in physical symptoms like sweating and an increased heart rate.

There are a few reasons why patients may develop dental anxiety. If you’ve had a traumatic experience with a dentist before, it’s natural to be wary of them in the future. Maybe you’ve had painful dental procedures or a dentist insensitive to your needs, leaving a negative association with the dentist. We take every precaution to ensure you’re comfortable and that you have confidence in our dental team.

Many people also immediately think every procedure at the dentist will be painful, and they’re worried about the pain. Sometimes dental procedures do involve things like drilling or injections, so patients are fearful of those. They also worry that a procedure will leave them in lasting pain. We use local anesthetic for any invasive procedure to ensure your comfort. Sedation dentistry options can keep you relaxed and calm while the procedure takes place as well.

A loss of control can make people panic. Patients may feel helpless and vulnerable in the dental chair like they have no control over the procedure. Before we do anything, we’ll talk you through the entire process so you know exactly what to expect. If you’re ever uncomfortable, let us know, and we can give you a break before continuing with your procedure.

Lastly, some patients are embarrassed by their smiles. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, you’re more likely to have dental problems that you then want to hide from your dentist. Our office is a judgment-free zone. We only care to ensure we can help you get to a healthier smile you’re confident in.

A Better Dentist Office Experience

We facilitate open and honest communication with our patients and build a positive patient-dentist relationship founded on mutual trust. Through patient education, we help patients understand their dental treatments so that they may confidently make informed decisions about their oral health. Our staff is highly trained and informed and are capable of answering your questions, helping you file your paperwork, and are available to support you every step of the way through your dental treatment.

Dr. Dall’Olmo has over 20 years of experience and has undergone many hours of continuing education to stay current with the latest in modern dentistry. Dr. Dall’Olmo believes in patient-focused dental care and always offers the most conservative treatment plan to maintain the integrity of the natural teeth and gums and restore oral health.
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Sedation Dentistry Options

For patients with severe dental anxiety, Dr. Dall’Olmo offers sedation dentistry options. Sedation methods will be chosen based on our patient’s needs and medical history. Our patient’s safety is our top priority, and a trained professional will closely monitor and control all sedation dentistry methods.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

A breathable gas, nitrous oxide takes effect immediately when inhaling it. You’ll use a cannula on your nose to breathe the gas throughout the procedure. It dissipates quickly, too, meaning that you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. You’ll remain awake but completely relaxed and even euphoric throughout your treatment. This method can be used for patients of all ages, including children.

Oral Conscious Sedation

This is a deeper form of sedation compared to nitrous oxide. We’ll prescribe you a pill that you take at a specific time before you come into the office for treatment so it has time to kick in. You’ll need a ride to and from the procedure with this, as it’s a longer-lasting form of sedation. Again, you’ll be awake but incredibly relaxed. You may be relaxed enough to fall asleep and won’t remember part or all of your procedure.

IV Sedation

This is the deepest form of sedation we offer. Dr. Dall’Olmo is certified in IV sedation and provides it to patients undergoing advanced restorative dental procedures. IV sedation allows you to sleep peacefully throughout your procedure. We control the sedation and closely monitor you throughout the entire procedure. We can also use this form of sedation if your dental anxiety is so bad that your oral health is severely bad. You may need extensive dental work to get your smile back.

Schedule an Appointment

We aim to ensure the dentist office is a welcoming place where all patients can feel comfortable. Call us or schedule an appointment online to experience the difference.