Dentist For People With Anxiety In Bethlehem
Just getting through the front door for a consultation can be a small victory for some of our patients. We know the importance of that first step and are committed to providing compassion and building trust through totally understanding your fears and concerns. Our office has been specially designed to put you at ease by removing many of the sights, sounds, and smells of a typical dental office in your past experiences.
Why am I so afraid of the dentist?
Apprehension toward dental treatment is a fairly common phobia. Nearly 50% of the population feels nervous or uncomfortable about going to the dentist or having dental procedures done, and it is estimated that as many as 35 million people do not visit the dental office at all because they are too afraid. The most common fears we hear are fear of embarrassment about the condition of their teeth, fear of gagging, fear of injections, fear of not becoming numb, fear of loss of control, and fear of the sounds and smells.
What if the numbing doesn't work on me?
Tell us before we start. We use a special super numbing gel to numb the spot where the anesthetic goes in, and anesthetic buffering to make delivery fast, non-stinging and non-burning. Articaine, a newer anesthetic, offers very profound anesthesia for patients who have had trouble getting numb in the past. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, and a mild oral sedative are both available if you want them.
What if I need you to stop in the middle?
Many people are afraid that the dentist will not know they are in significant pain during the appointment, and will carry on the procedure regardless. The best way to solve this problem is to agree on a stop hand signal with the dentist. Both parties can easily understand signals like raising the hand or tapping on the chair. We will do everything to tailor the visit to your needs and concerns, even if it means that we just sit and talk about your concerns.
Will I be numb for the rest of the day?
Not if you would rather not be. We offer OraVerse, the first and only product to rapidly reverse the effects of your local dental anesthetic and bring you back to normal sensation in half the time. Ask us about it before your appointment and we will have it ready.
Will I be lectured about the state of my teeth?
No. We will never make a patient feel embarrassed about their dental needs, and because we are a guilt-free office, you will never have to be afraid of getting scolded or lectured to by Dr. Lambert and his staff. One thing our patients really appreciate is that we tend not to lecture them about taking better care of their teeth and gums. Instead we work with them to establish an oral health routine that fits into their lifestyle.
Can I come in and talk before booking any treatment?
Yes. Patients with dental anxiety may need a bit of extra preparation before they feel comfortable booking regular appointments. With this in mind, we offer anxious new patients a No Charge, No Fear Consultation where we ease them into the process. Dr. Lambert will also be happy to review with you your answers to our "Please Handle Me With Care" questionnaire so that together we may pinpoint any specific concerns or fears and work toward overcoming these problems.
- Neck pillows and warm blankets
- Sunglasses to reduce glare from the overhead lights
- FM stereo, CD and cable TV in the treatment rooms, and your favorite music ready at your next visit
- A latex-free office
- Our dedicated kids arcade area, so you are not worrying about the children while you are in the chair

