Questions About Dental Anxiety – Giving Control Back to the Patient
How do you work with patients who are afraid?
We start by building trust with each patient. We have found the biggest key in helping anxious people is allowing them to maintain a strong sense of control. We work very closely with our patients to make sure they experience the level of individualized attention that they need. Communication puts you in control of your care.
Dr. Kleive will visit with you in the comfort of his office learning about you and your goals, and discussing your options.
I want to have my dental problems corrected, but how do I know it will look good?
One reason we might see unattractive cosmetic dentistry more often than successful cosmetic dentistry is that beautiful cosmetic dentistry is not visible to the naked eye. It just looks like a naturally beautiful smile and you would not know the person had been to a dentist.
Done by a properly-trained and experienced dentist, cosmetic dentistry can match the beauty of natural teeth and enhance your entire face without drawing attention to itself.
I don’t feel I have the time or money to get cosmetic dental work done. Yet I want healthy, beautiful teeth and long-lasting results. What can I do?
Dentistry to address both esthetics and health can sometimes seem expensive. But it can be done in steps that fit into nearly any budget. You do not need to be put in financial strain in order to obtain excellent dental care.
Dr. Kleive believes that it is better to go slowly and end up with a predictable outcome than to cut costs, speed through the procedure and regret it later. Many people have come to him after making that mistake. You can have quality restorative work as opposed to quickie repairs – and your investment in the attractive and solid restorations will pay dividends in the future. If your teeth are properly maintained, you will likely not need any corrective procedures later on – barring of course any possible trauma or accident. Please see our Financing page for more information if you are uncertain about affordability options.
I keep having more dental problems and do not want to wind up toothless with dentures. Can you suggest a way out of this?
Yes. You need to end that cycle of reactive care and see a dentist who works proactively. Do not wait until dental problems appear before going for a check-up.
Most people are given dentistry that is repair-oriented. In other words, the major focus of the dentist is to solve problems rather than prevent them. That “one-tooth-at-a-time” philosophy can catch you in a downward cycle. The narrow vision is looking at only one dental problem at a time.
Dr. Kleive, however, believes that it is imperative to uncover the reasons why an individual is having problems so that causes can be successfully addressed the first time and problems prevented.
Past dentists have rushed me and told me what I “need” without giving me a chance to express what I want. And sometimes I am unsure of what I really want. How is your practice different?
Communication is the first step in successful cosmetic dentistry and in building trust so that you know you will get the results you want. Dr. Kleive will take all the time you need to talk and learn about your goals, your history and past dental experiences, and the values that motivate you to seek cosmetic dentistry. He is a strong believer in patient education and wants you to be actively involved in your care. The two of you will be working together to create a dental plan that fits your desires, your budget and your timeline or desired pace.
Neither dental health nor dental attractiveness should be sacrificed due to dental anxiety. If you have had bad dental experiences in the past, we can help. Please contact our office to schedule your free initial consultation today. Dr. Kleive will take the time to put you at ease.
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