Dental Anxiety | Expert Care and Solutions in Burbank

Dr. Nicole G. Nalbandian (DDS, MS)

Dr. Nalbandian understands how hard it can be for some to even pick up the phone and make an appointment with a dentist. This cycle of avoidance often leads to more severe dental problems requiring extensive treatment which can further fuel the cycle of fear and avoidance. She is committed to helping her patients overcome dental anxiety and feel comfortable in the dental chair.

What is Dental Anxiety?

The fear or stress that a person experiences when the idea of visiting the dentist comes up is a defining feature of dental anxiety. Many of her patients are surprised to know that Dr. Nalbandian also faced her fair share of dental anxiety when visiting the dentist as a child and recognizes how debilitating this condition can be in the pursuit of oral health.

The dental office is full of sensory and visual stimuli that can be a trigger for anxiety such as the sound of the drill, the sight of tools, or even just the smells commonly found around a medical clinic of any kind.

Dr. Nalbandian is committed to creating a calm and supportive environment for her patients to ease their discomfort. Depending on your level of anxiety, she has several different tools at her disposal which can be used to help make your visit more pleasant. Her goal is to ultimately make a visit to the dentist painless and enjoyable.

Causes of Dental Anxiety

Past Experiences: Negative experiences during previous dental visits, especially in childhood, can contribute significantly to dental anxiety.
Fear of Pain: Many people fear that dental procedures will be painful, which should never be the case.
Loss of Control: Lying in a dental chair with limited ability to communicate can create feelings of vulnerability, which understandable can make someone uncomfortable.
Shame: People often avoid the dentist because they are embarrassed of what their teeth or gums may look like.
Sensory Triggers: The sounds, sights, and smells of a dental office can be overpowering adding to the overall dental fear and anxiety.

Any one of these anxiety triggers can manifest as an increase in heart rate and a feeling of panic. Patients may also experience sweating, a feeling of dread, difficulty sleeping prior to an appointment, or nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms please know that you are not alone, and Dr. Nalbandian is truly experienced in handling each of these scenarios.

How To Deal With Dental Anxiety

Successful management of dental anxiety is rooted in the doctor-patient relationship and tailoring a patient-specific treatment plan which best meets each patient’s needs. Here are some of the tools that Dr. Nalbandian has at her discretion to help manage dental anxiety:

Open Communication: When first meeting a new patient, Dr. Nalbandian will always ask ‘do you have any anxiety about going to the dentist.’ If going to the dentist is something that worries you, talk to your doctor. The more they know, the better equipped they are at helping you overcome these anxieties.

Relaxation Techniques: Dr. Nalbandian has been practicing yoga for over 15 years and sees the value in utilizing relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises to make dental treatment more manageable.

Distraction: Dr. Nalbandian highly recommends bringing headphones in to your dental appointment to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or music to help drown out the noises in the dental setting.

Gradual Exposure: For people who experience a lot of dental anxiety, slowly segmenting exposure to the dental environment can be beneficial. Work your way up from a no-procedure visit to the dental clinic and then onto an examination before you go for some higher levels of treatment.

Use of Sedation: In severe cases, Dr. Nalbandian sometimes utilizes sedation dentistry to help patients who are in need of extensive treatment have their work done without feeling any discomfort.

Meet Our Doctor

Dr. Nalbandian is a general dentist focused on delivering the highest quality cosmetic and restorative dentistry to her patients. She believes that exceptional dental care begins with the doctor-patient relationship and customizing treatment to meet the needs of each individual patient.

In an ever-changing world of dental technology and techniques, Dr. Nalbandian is an avid learner. She is committed to continuing education courses which allow her to offer patients the most advanced care. Her goal is to bridge long-lasting solutions with the most conservative treatment.

Since completing her dental training, Dr. Nalbandian has embraced a rewarding career as an exceptional dental clinician. She has also returned to her alma mater, UCLA School of Dentistry, to teach future generations of dentists and currently serves as a faculty member at the WEST Los Angeles Dental Hygiene program.

Those who know Dr. Nalbandian quickly come to realize that dentistry truly is one of her greatest passions. When she is not in the clinic or teaching, Dr. Nalbandian enjoys practicing yoga and getting outdoors.

SCHEDULE WITH DR. NALBANDIAN

Dental anxiety is common but manageable. By understanding its causes and implementing effective management strategies, individuals can overcome their fears and maintain good oral health. Remember, open communication with your dentist and finding the proper coping techniques can make all the difference. Don’t let anxiety stand in the way of your oral health.

Dr. Nalbandian and her team are committed to delivering gentle care tailored to the needs of each patient. Contact us to schedule a consultation – either call or submit our online Consultation Request Form- and meet with Dr. Nalbandian.