You can overcome it, and we’ll help you do it!
Can’t bring yourself to schedule that next appointment? You may be busy, you may be a born procrastinator, or you may suffer from unwarranted dental fear. If so, you’re not alone… millions stay away each year for just that reason.
Everyone in our practice understands dental fear, and we’re trained in forming good relationships with fearful patients. So if you’re feeling apprehensive, speak up. We’ll listen to your needs and work with you to ensure your comfort. We can establish a signal, such as a raised hand, for you to use when you want a pause. Techniques such as distraction, simple suggestions, and relaxation exercises are also helpful.
Tips for Dealing with Dental Fear
Before your appointment:
- Avoid caffeine. It can leave you jittery for six hours.
- Try a little exercise—good for three hours of relaxation.
- Bring headphones (or borrow some of ours) to soothe your nerves with calming music.
- Bolster your spirits with positive self-talk. Tell yourself, “I can handle this,” and remember times when you have coped with tough situations.
You can handle it, and we’ll help you do it!
Dr. Angela Burns moved to Austin 10 years ago and instantly fell in love with our beautiful city. Dr. Burns is originally from the Texarkana area. She attended Texas A&M for her undergraduate degree and The University of Tennessee Health Science Center for her degree in dental surgery (DDS). Dr. Burns is committed to providing her patients with gentle, technologically advanced dental treatment. She attends an average of 60 hours of continuing education every year. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Texas Dental Association, and the Capital Area Dental Society. Dr. Burns and her husband, Gary, have an 11-year-old daughter, Sydney, who is a proud 6th grader at Hill Country Middle School. She is also very involved in the Eanes PTO, her church, and loves raising her family in the Westlake community. “Growing up, I was drawn to mediating and helping others feel more included and less anxious. I was a camp counselor, student government officer and being the oldest of five, I was the family mediator. I found that I had a calling to help alleviate stressful situations for others and realized that being a good listener was something that was key to this. These skills really helped guide me into becoming a dentist that has based my practice on relationships, empathy and a sense of comfort. I knew that I wanted to provide an atmosphere that felt like home when others walked in. Our practice is small, personal and state of the art and we hope you feel like you’re hanging out with friends when you are here!” When she is not practicing dentistry, Dr. Burns enjoys traveling, hiking the greenbelt, enjoying Austin’s music scene, and eating Amy’s Ice Cream.
