Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Visit at Gresham Dental Group

by | Nov 15, 2023 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

If you’re one of the many individuals who experience dental anxiety, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common issue that can prevent people from seeking the dental care they need. At Gresham Dental Group in Gresham, Oregon, we understand the challenges that come with dental anxiety and are committed to making your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. In this blog, we’ll explore dental anxiety, what to expect during your visit, the benefits of our services, frequently asked questions, and why you should choose us as your trusted dental care provider.

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety, also known as dental phobia, is a common psychological condition that causes fear and stress associated with dental visits. This anxiety can range from mild unease to severe fear, and it often prevents individuals from seeking necessary dental care. The fear can stem from various sources, including past negative experiences, fear of pain, or even the fear of the unknown.

Strategies for Overcoming Dental Anxiety

At Gresham Dental Group, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. Here are some strategies we employ to help you overcome dental anxiety:

  1. Open Communication: We encourage open and honest communication. Let us know about your fears and concerns, and we’ll work together to address them.
  2. Sedation Dentistry: For those with severe anxiety, we offer sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation to help you relax during your visit.
  3. Patient-Centered Approach: Our friendly and compassionate staff is dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive environment.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment at Gresham Dental Group:

  1. Warm Welcome: Our friendly team will greet you and make you feel at ease from the moment you walk in.
  2. Comprehensive Examination: We will perform a thorough examination of your oral health, discuss any concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan.
  3. Gentle Treatment: Our experienced dentists and hygienists are committed to providing pain-free and gentle dental care.
  4. Modern Technology: We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

Benefits of Choosing Gresham Dental Group

When you choose Gresham Dental Group for your dental care, you’ll experience several benefits:

  1. Local Convenience: As your trusted dentist in Gresham, Oregon, we are conveniently located for those searching for “dentist near me” or “dentist Gresham OR.”
  2. Comprehensive Services: From preventive care to advanced treatments, we offer a wide range of services to meet all your dental needs.
  3. Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize your comfort and work closely with you to achieve your oral health goals.
  4. Experienced Team: Our skilled and caring dental professionals have years of experience in providing high-quality dental care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will dental procedures be painful?
A1: We utilize advanced techniques and sedation options to minimize discomfort, ensuring a more comfortable experience.

Q2: How often should I visit the dentist?
A2: We recommend regular check-ups every six months to maintain optimal oral health.

Q3: Is sedation dentistry safe?
A3: Yes, our sedation options are safe and administered by experienced professionals.

Don’t let dental anxiety stand in the way of your oral health. At Gresham Dental Group, we are committed to providing a stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Choose us as your trusted local dentist in Gresham, Oregon, and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and overcome your dental anxiety with us.

Dr. Trent Westover

 

When patients meet Dr. Westover for the first time, they’re immediately at ease. Not only is he relaxed and friendly, but he takes the time to explain each procedure and make sure his patients are completely informed of their options.

Dr. Westover grew up in Big Bear Lake, Ca and then moved to Apple Valley, California where he graduated from high school then lived in Peru for two years on a church mission and speaks fluent Spanish. From there he moved to Oregon in 1989 after graduating from BYU to attend Oregon Health and Science University’s School of Dentistry, graduating with honors in 1993 then he joined the practice with Gresham Dental Group.

Dr. Westover has developed a passion for restorative dentistry and puts a strong emphasis on patient comfort, while delivering the best of care.

When he’s not in the office, Dr. Westover is found outdoors with his friends and family biking, boating and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Westover met his wife, Sheryl when they were kids and married in 1986, raising their children in Damascus, OR and is a proud grandparent.

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IV Conscious Sedation

 

Our patients have helped us develop a deep appreciation and understanding for dental fear and its impact on their lives. Our office environment, doctors and staff interaction, and everything we do is intended to reduce your anxiety and change you perception of a visit to the dentist.

Dr. Westover is trained and certified to utilize IV Conscious Sedation (also known as “Sleep Dentistry” to treat patients with dental anxiety.  This can be a great way to help you regain healthy beautiful teeth and give you the confidence to overcome your dental fears.

We offer various sedation options including oral, light or deep IV as well as general anesthesia and nitrous oxide. These options are intended to accommodate the various needs of our patients depending on the severity of their anxiety or fear. In some cases we may utilize a combination of both oral and IV sedation. Nitrous Oxide is available for patient with mild dental anxiety.

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Bridges & Implants

 

IMPLANT RESTORATION
A dental implant includes a small, sturdy, titanium post which serves as new root structure. The implant is placed into your upper or lower jaw bone, and once bone has grown around the implant, implants can hold a crown, bridge or over-denture in the same way that natural teeth are held in place. Implants are very durable and can last a lifetime. While there is no guarantee that an implant procedure will be successful, studies have shown a five-year success rate of 95% for lower jaw implants and 90% for upper jaw implants. The success rate for upper jaw implants is slightly lower because the upper jaw (especially the back section) is less dense than the lower jaw. Lower back jaw dental implants have the highest success rate.
We can help improve life for our patients who have lost teeth and are sometimes too self-conscious to smile or talk. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may provide a simple remedy with proven results. Dental implants may be recommended for a number of reasons:
• Tooth Decay
• Root Canal Failure
• Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
• Trauma To The Mouth
• Excessive Wear And Tear
• Congenital Defects

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Oral Surgery

 

Good oral hygiene should always be practiced since the loss of a single tooth can have major impact upon your oral health and appearance. Although dentists will use every measure to prevent tooth loss, there are still necessary occasions when a tooth may need to be extracted. A tooth may need to be extracted if the following occurs:

After careful examination and treatment, the dentist may advise to have a tooth extracted. Before a tooth is removed, the dentist will take an x-ray in order to understand the shape and position of the tooth and surrounding bone. Based on the degree of difficulty, we may refer you to a specialist called an oral surgeon.

A certain amount of pain and discomfort is to be expected following an extraction, which can be minimized with a pain killer and ice packs applied to the face for 15 minutes at a time. After a routine extraction, discomfort should lessen within three days to two weeks. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call our office immediately.

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Kristi

Kristi has been in the dental field for over 25 years. Her hobbies include cooking, shopping, time with friends and family and date nights with her husband. Together they have a spunky red-headed 5 year old son Max that keeps them on their toes and is teaching them to enjoy the simple things in life every day! What Kristi loves most about her job is creating relationships with our patients and making sure they have the best dental experience possible when they are here!

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Debbie

Debbie grew up in Eugene.  She met her husband there and they later moved up to Portland.  She has a son and daughter and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.  She has been with Gresham Dental Group since 2002.  

 

 

 

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Lorri

Lorri was born and raised in Gresham.  She graduated from the hygiene program at MHCC in 1994 and has been with Gresham Dental Group ever since!  Lorri loves her job and working with her patients at every visit.  During her free time she enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her 3 kids and 8 grandkids!

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Amy

Amy grew up in Oregon and moved to the east coast after marrying her husband while he was in the military.  After his enlistment, they moved back and she began working for Gresham Dental Group in 2009.  Her boys, Tyler and Austin, keep her very busy!  When she does have free time she enjoys camping, cooking, wine tasting….anything with friends and family.  She also dedicates many hours each week to her son’s therapies for autism/sensory processing disorder.  

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Sandi

Sandi has been a hygienist for almost 40 years and over half of that time has been spent in the 3 different locations of Gresham Dental Group. She has 2 daughters and one son and spends a lot of her free driving to and from Seattle to visit…and babysit her 4 year old grandson. Sandi loves reading and the empty nest deal!

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Amber

Amber was born and raised in the Gresham area.  She began working for Gresham Dental Group in 2010.  She has one son named Jackson.  In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

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Lisa

Lisa was raised in Gresham Oregon and has been in dentistry her entire life.  She started working for Gresham Dental Group in 1999.  Prior to that she managed her father’s dental practice.  She and her husband Rick were married in 1980 and have 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren, Claire, Brady, Tyler and Austin.  In her free time she enjoys camping with her friends, cooking, spending time with family, and spoiling her grandkids!

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Melaine

Melaine has been working at Gresham Dental since 2010. She has three amazing kiddos, Matthew (13), Samantha (12) and Elizabeth (9). Melaine loves hiking, trail running, camping, disc golf…pretty much anything she can do outside with family and friends. The longest race she has done was the Mt Hood 50 miler with wonderful support of family and friends.
Melaine was born in Ketchikan, Alaska and grew up in Oregon since she was 6. Studied Exercise Sport Science at Oregon State University and loves motivating others to exercise and be healthy. Other fun facts, she love anything Disney and the Smurfs.

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Jessica

Jessica was born in Portland but adventurously raised in several different states. She finally returned home to her native Portland in 2009. Jessica LOVES the northwest! She has 3 beautiful daughters that keep her busy and teach her a lot. Jessica is a self-proclaimed “foodie” and enjoys hiking, running and spending time with her family. Jessica joined the Gresham Dental Group family in April 2016.

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Erica

Erica grew up in Boulder Colorado and has a passion for the great outdoors, including biking, hiking, snowboarding, and hanging out at the river in the summer. She has been in Oregon for over a decade now and has learned to appreciate the rain’s contribution to our lush forests.
Erica is a Beaver at heart as Oregon State is her first Alma mater. She went on to Pacific University for dental hygiene school and received a bachelor degree in dental health science in 2011. Her passion for dental hygiene originates from her dedication to motivate patients to practice excellent oral hygiene to promote overall health and wellness. .

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Dr. Brad Strong

Dr. Strong was raised in Springville, Utah. Upon graduating from BYU, Dr. Strong attended The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. It was a quality education in dentistry (and BIG 10 football). Dr. Strong’s personal interests and hobbies were forged in the Wasatch mountains. His favorite past time is fly fishing. He has spent countless hours wading in the river currents of Hobble Creek, Diamond Fork, The Green, and The Provo. He hopes to never miss a year of Deer hunting. While in dental school Dr. Strong had the wonderful fortune of meeting his wife Lezlee. They have been together ever since that 2nd year of dental school. They now have 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. Dr. Strong enjoys spending his free time with his wife and children.

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Erica

Linda started with Gresham Dental Group in 1997. She grew up on Sandy and went to Sandy grade school & high school and went to North Pacific Dental School. Linda has 3 kids and 2 granddaughters, Haley in college at WSU and Rio is 3. She also has 1yr old twin grandsons, Jake & Drew. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, sewing, baking, etc.

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Linda

Linda started with Gresham Dental Group in 1997. She grew up on Sandy and went to Sandy grade school & high school and went to North Pacific Dental School. Linda has 3 kids and 2 granddaughters, Haley in college at WSU and Rio is 3. She also has 1yr old twin grandsons, Jake & Drew. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, sewing, baking, etc.

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Loretta

Loretta graduated from MHCC Dental Hygiene Program and finished my undergraduate degree from Eastern Washington University. Currently, she is also an instructor at MHCC teaching restoratives and senior clinic. Her greatest accomplishment and joy in life is her family. Loretta and her husband have raised 4 children and now get the pleasure of 3 beautiful grandchildren. ( She would like triple the grandkids)
Loretta loves snow skiing, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family.

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Molly

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Kayla

Kayla grew up in the Portland area and attended PCC for dental assisting. She married her husband Jerad in August of 2015 and they welcomed their first child, Mason, in 2016. They also have a Yorie-Poo named Pee-Wee. In her spare time she enjoys camping, dirt bike riding, playing softball and attending Blazer games.

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Lorie

Lorie graduated from Mt Hood Dental Hygiene program in 1974. She has mainly been employed in private dental practices but has also practiced in Egypt, promoting dental hygiene. Upon her return to the states, she had the privilege of practicing with a periodontist, serving on the Board of Directors for the Western Society of Periodontology and eventually teaching at the Mt Hood Dental Hygiene program as a clinical instructor. She takes pride in being an active member in her professional organization and has served on many committees over her 45 years in practice. Dental hygiene has been a perfect career choice for her and she continues to love what she does! Besides dental hygiene, her horses are her passion. She has a Missouri Fox Trotter, Rambler, and a miniature horse, Penelope, a little princess.????

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Dr. Eli

 

Dr. Eli moved to Portland from Ukraine with his family in 2000 and has lived in Portland since then. He graduated high school at Centennial high school before completing his bachelor’s degree at Portland State University. He then attended OHSU school of dentistry where he pursued his passion for dentistry.

Dr. Eli has spent countless hours in continued education with the sole purpose of offering the best possible care to his patients. When not at work, Dr. Eli is spending quality time with his family and friends or serving in his church. Dr. Eli and his wife Alina have been married since 2019 and are raising one son with another baby on the way!

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Dr. Joshua Hardin

 

Dr. Hardin was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. He is an avid skier and did racing in Giant Slalom and Slalom at Sandy High School. Dentistry runs in his family, with both his grandfather and father in the dental field. In 2016 Dr. Hardin completed Dental school at OHSU and graduated near the top of his class with honors. Dr. Hardin has a very strong commitment to his patients, as well as his family. Married to his high school sweetheart, Sydney. Together they have four kids Emmett, Rory, Max and Dove. Dr. Hardin enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, off-roading in the mountains, shooting and building guns, and taking his wife and 4 kids on trips to see the world.

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