Did you know that most of our patients who undergo a procedure experience dental anxiety in some form or another? In fact, it is estimated that as much as 15% of the American population experiences it. There are two very common reasons for this. First, there are patients who have never had an anesthetic before and don’t know what to expect. These fears can also be heightened by hearing stories from others, or working themselves up due to overwhelming (yet rare) scenarios found on the internet. Another common reason is that some patients may have had a traumatic first-hand experience with dentists in the past. Either way, these developed phobias, although common, can cause patients to defer treatment and wait to resolve their issue until it’s an emergency situation.

Here at The Maxillofacial Surgery Center, we listen to and understand our patients. Since we’ve cared for many patients with dental anxiety, we know the best ways to make our patients feel at ease.

First and foremost, we believe that the more a patient understands about their situation, treatment options, and what to expect from each of these options, the more comfortable they feel. When a patient knows what choices they have, they are able to make the best decision for themselves. Answering any and all questions that our patients have is a huge part of this! We always encourage our patients to ask any and all questions during their appointment.  Additionally, we are available at any time to answer questions that they’ve thought of once they’ve left our office.

As a board certified surgeon, Dr. Wilson is able to offer a full complement of anesthetic options ranging from local to general anesthesia. Our office features state of the art anesthesia monitoring and emergency intervention equipment. We are also capable of selecting the most appropriate surgical forum, whether it be in-office or full-admission and management in a hospital setting. We treat each patient with individualized care by assessing their health prior to their procedure. This involves reviewing their health history, contacting any necessary specialists, and arranging any additional anxiety medications or treatments when deemed necessary.

Finally, we believe that creating a comforting environment is crucial in relieving anxiety. From the first time you call, to your surgery, to your post-operative care, each staff member specializes in making sure our patients have a peaceful and pleasant experience. We monitor each patient from the moment they walk in the door to the moment they are helped into their car once their procedure is complete. After treatment, Dr. Wilson is available via personal cell 24/7 to ensure their experience continues to go smoothly once they are home.

One of the most rewarding experiences for our team is helping a patient with dental anxiety realize that their experience at our office will be a positive one. We take pride in helping them overcome their fears which may have prevented them from seeking treatment sooner.

To hear about what some of our patients have to say about their pain-free and worry-free experiences with Dr. Wilson and our team, check us out on Yelp! and Google.


The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.