Comfort Menu

Yes — more common than many realize, dental anxiety can:

• Start with mild nervousness.
• Turn into a deep-seated fear.
• Prevent people from scheduling or attending dental appointments.
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For some, dental anxiety is triggered by:

• Past experiences at the dentist
• The sounds or sensations of dental tools
• A fear of pain, tooth sensitivity, or concerns about oral health.
  

Regardless of the reason, support and relief are available.
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At West Vancouver Dental, we take dental anxiety seriously and make your comfort our top priority.

That’s why we've created: 

• A welcoming environment designed to put you at ease the moment you walk in
• Our Comfort Menu (above), offering a variety of soothing amenities to help you relax during your visit. 

So, if dental anxiety has been holding you back, we’re here to work with you at your own pace. We have a deep understanding of dental anxiety, and we’re committed to making your experience as stress-free as possible.

Before taking anything at home for dental anxiety, we strongly recommend that you:
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• Talk to your dentist first. 
• Consider in-office options for dental anxiety.
• Avoid taking anything new without doing the above.
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Our team is here to help you find safe, effective ways to manage dental anxiety, and we’re ready to work with you to identify the best-fit options for you and your needs. 
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So, don’t hesitate to: 

1. Reach out if you're feeling nervous about an upcoming visit.
2. Bring it up when booking dental appointments.

We’re here to listen, make you comfortable, and create a positive, low-stress experience every step of the way.

Yes, laughing gas—also known as nitrous oxide—can be a very effective way to address dental anxiety. As a mild sedative, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask that covers your nose.

Taking quick effect, laughing gas is calming and relaxing, and: 
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• You’ll remain awake and able to communicate.
• Nitrous oxide can keep you comfortable, easing your nerves, during the entire treatment. 
• You may experience a light, floaty, or dreamlike sensation.
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One of the key advantages of laughing gas is that its effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed. That means you can usually resume your normal activities right after your appointment.

At West Vancouver Dental, laughing gas is one of several options on our Comfort Menu. If you’re feeling anxious about your next dental treatment, let us know. We can explain more about nitrous oxide and our other Comfort Menu options, helping you dial in exactly what you need to feel confident and relaxed.

Yes, dental problems can absolutely contribute to anxiety—both directly and indirectly. In fact, when it comes to dental issues triggering anxiety, people may start to feel more and more nervous when:
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• Tooth pain, gum disease, and other dental issues impact their smile, self-esteem, or confidence. 
• They don’t know or understand what the dental treatments for their issue(s) may entail, how much they may cost, or what the in-office experience is like.
• They anticipate lectures or finger wagging during an appointment due to negative past experiences.
  
  

Without addressing dental issues or anxiety, both can worsen over time—but they don’t have to.

Taking that first step to address a dental concern often brings a huge sense of relief. So can visiting a dentist who understands anxiety and how to manage it during any treatment.

If you’re in Clark County, WA, you’ll find an experienced dentist for anxiety at West Vancouver Dental. Dr. Jared Hawthorne and his team have extensive experience with dental anxiety, and we’re incredibly skilled at finding the right solutions to put patients at ease.
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