Conquering Dental Fear and Anxiety in Rockville Centre, NY

Dental Anxiety? You’re Not Alone, and We’re Here to Help

Does the thought of a dental appointment make your heart-rate increase? Do you find yourself avoiding necessary dental visits because you’re just too nervous? If you’ve found yourself saying “I hate the dentist” or “I’m afraid of the dentist,” we want you to know two things.

  1. Your feelings are completely valid
  2. Smiles Unlimited is here to help you

At Smiles Unlimited, we understand that for many people, visiting the dentist isn’t just an errand, it is downright stressful. Your oral health shouldn’t come at the cost of your mental health, which is why we have dedicated ourselves to creating a compassionate and judgment-free environment that is designed to relieve anxious patients.

Understanding Dental Fear and Anxiety

Dental phobia is more common than you might think. We hear it all the time, “I hate going to the dentist!”  This is not something we take personally, and instead we take it as a challenge to help. Our office isn’t just in the business of fixing teeth; we’re in the business of caring for people.

We’ve designed our practice to be a warm and inviting area, with every detail curated for your comfort.

Meet “Dr. Max,” Your New Best Friend

If you are nervous about your dental visit, we have a special team member waiting to meet you. Meet Max, our certified medical therapy dog.

Dr. Max is a Shorkie Poo with a gentle soul and a gift for sensing emotions. Dr. Richman originally brought Max home as a family pet, but quickly realized that Max had a unique calmness that could help others. After months of specialized training, Max officially joined the Smiles Unlimited Team.

For patients who are scared of the dental chair, Max is a game-changer. He specializes in:

Emotional Support: Just petting max can lower blood pressure and release stress-reducing endorphins.

Distraction: It’s hard to focus on the sounds of a drill when you have a cute, fluffy friend looking for head rubs.

Physical Comfort: Max is happy to sit right in your lap during your appointment, providing a comforting weight and a warm presence that makes you feel safe.

If you’ve avoided the dentist for years, you’ll find yourself eager to return just for another appointment with your friend, Dr. Max.

Sedation Dentistry and Compassionate Care

While Max is a star at handling mild to moderate anxiety, we know that some patients require a little extra help. We offer sedation dentistry options to ensure that you can undergo complex procedures without fear. Whether you need a simple cleaning or a full cosmetic restoration, our team will work with you to find the right level of sedation to keep you relaxed and pain-free.

Ready to Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist?

Don’t let fear dictate your health any longer. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of anxiety or fear, please give us a call. We’ll ensure that Max is ready at your appointment to welcome you!

a child learning how to brush teeth

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