How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Dr. Ellard is an experienced family dentist who offers a no-judgment zone with amenities designed to put you at ease. He also offers oral sedation so patients can receive the dental care they need while feeling calm and relaxed.

A healthy, attractive smile is possible and it starts with a call to Scott Ellard Dentistry.

Choose a Compassionate Dental Office

Nervous about scheduling your first appointment? Don’t be! Our compassionate staff would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. The team at Scott Ellard Dentistry will always go above and beyond to help put you at ease. Our office culture is built on a foundation of empathy, trust, and treating patients like family.

Look for Comfortable Amenities

We offer state-of-the-art technology to help reduce your dental anxiety and elevate your experience at Scott Ellard Dentistry. In each treatment room, we have flat-screen monitors and independent sounds. This allows us to accommodate patients who’d like to watch a DVD or listen to music during their appointment.

Playing your favorite music or movie may be the best way to relax in the dental chair. It can also help distract you from certain sounds, such as whirring or drilling.

Communicate Honestly About Your Needs

We ask that all new patients fill out a form to help us identify any dental phobias they may experience. For example, we may ask if you have an aversion to injections, certain smells, or vibrations.

The vast majority of dental offices don’t take this extra step to ensure their patients’ comfort. But Dr. Ellard and his staff take the time to truly get to know each patient. That way, we can tailor a treatment plan that matches your comfort level and oral health needs.

During your appointment, our staff will take the time to thoroughly explain every step of your treatment. That way, you always know what to expect. We also encourage our patients to let us know if they need to take a quick break so we can work at a pace that’s comfortable for them.

You can always count on our staff to have the utmost consideration for any of your concerns or anxieties.

Ask Dr. Ellard if Oral Sedation is Right for You

Does the thought of sitting in the dental chair fill you with fear, anxiety, or dread? If so, please let Dr. Ellard and his compassionate team know so they can best accommodate your needs. Depending on your level of dental anxiety, Dr. Ellard may suggest oral sedation to help you relax in the dental chair and get the treatment you need.

Before your appointment, Dr. Ellard will write you a prescription for an oral sedation pill. We’ll then send the prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. When you pick up your prescription, you’ll need to follow Dr. Ellard’s instructions so you take the pill at the correct time. In general, we’ll ask that you take the pill an hour before your appointment so it has some time to take effect before you arrive.

The effects of oral sedation dentistry can range from mild to moderate depending on your dosage. But no matter your dosage, you’ll need a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment. After you take your pill, you’ll be in no condition to drive yourself.

For mild sedation, you’ll still be aware and awake during your appointment. But it’ll be much easier to access a state of calmness and peace. For moderate sedation, you’ll still be awake but you may doze off during the procedure. If this happens, we’ll still be able to wake you with a gentle shake.

Request an Appointment with Us

Dr. Scott Ellard is an experienced family dentist in Portage, Michigan. He’s also proud to serve patients in Kalamazoo and surrounding West Michigan areas. To request an appointment, please call Scott Ellard Dentistry at (269) 329-1880. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our office will reach out to you soon.