Dental Treatment For PTSD Patients
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that has its origins in a traumatic event. After experiencing or witnessing the event, intense thoughts or feelings related to their experience can linger long after the event has ended. It is thought that PTSD affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults. Women are twice as likely as men to have PTSD.
Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and self-care they improve. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with day-to-day functioning, the person has PTSD.
How Can PTSD Affect My Dental Experience?
Some situations can be overwhelming with past trauma. A dental visit can sometimes emerge memories and past experiences that may hold you back from taking care of your oral health.
I’ve Had Bad Experiences In The Past Due To PTSD, How Will This Be Different?
Every member of our team is dedicated to giving you the best dental experience. We’re always willing to go above and beyond when it comes to your smile. We offer a caring space where you’ll be met with compassion and support to help put you at ease.
How Can Dental Treatment With Dr. Siegelman Help With My PTSD?
First off, Dr. Siegelman and our entire team place patient care atop our list of goals. We are known for being an excellent place for patients with dental anxiety. We offer our patients cozy blankets and music. Our office design is meant to be calming. We offer a variety of sedation options. All of this is intended to help patients overcome the anxiety they may feel when visiting the dentist.
For PTSD patients, these kinds of steps can help the patient feel at ease in our office. When you come to see us, we’ll inquire if there is anything we should avoid, such as touching your shoulder unexpectedly or entering the room unannounced. Our team recognizes these challenges and we are here to support you. You can tell us about your past experience or not; what is essential is to communicate is how we can put you at ease. We encourage you to let us know how we can help make your visit the most comfortable. We will work hard to meet your needs and keep the visit a relaxed, positive experience.
Beyond the specifics of a dental visit, for PTSD patients, there are many potential benefits of a clean, healthy smile. Fixing dental problems can be the first step to healing and bringing positive change into your life. A restored smile can boost self-esteem and increase socialization. Smiling big and genuine is important for overall wellbeing and a healthy smile can make a patient feel a return of confidence. After all, there’s lots of research that shows happiness is activated when we smile and we feel an influx of positive emotion. For a PTSD patient, this can be the start of a whole new outlook.
"Professional, Very friendly and completely Covid safe
Going to the dentist may not be high on anyone’s list but a visit to my favorite dentist was a very positive experience. In today’s challenging world , feeling safe and well cared for makes for a very positive experience. The staff is friendly, helpful and quick to respond to individual needs. Of course,Dr Siegelman is fabulous as always and his new dental hygienist did a wonderful job."
I Don’t Have PTSD, But My Loved One Does. Will I Be Allowed To Join Them During Their Appointment?
Of course. Whatever helps the patient feel comfortable is our goal at Dr. Siegelman’s office and we applaud your support. We’ll bring in a chair and you’ll be able to position yourself where it best helps your loved one during his or her treatment.
I Have Not Been Treated For My PTSD. Should I Receive Therapy Before Making A Dental Appointment?
This is completely up to you. There are so many benefits of a healthy smile and it’s important to us that you feel comfortable in our office. Every situation is unique and we encourage you to connect with Dr. Sieglman. Let’s start the conversation!
What’s The First Step For Scheduling An Appointment With Dr. Siegelman?
For new patients, we generally recommend an initial consultation appointment. This will allow you to meet our team and discuss your dental needs and options to best care for you. For PTSD patients, this is a great time to let us know anything we can do to make your appointments more comfortable. We will work together to help you get the dental care you need.
To make your consultation, you can call us at (212) 974-8737 or fill out a Contact Form here. Then you can specify how you’d like us to get back to you, either by phone or email.
What can I do to prepare for my visit if I have PTSD?
Communicate with us! Tell us what we can do to help make you comfortable. Schedule your appointment at a time of day that will be less stressful. For example, don’t schedule it right before a meeting.
Pick a time that you won’t feel rushed. Take deep breaths and remember, we are here to help! Because of our exceptional care, you’ll notice it gets easier to come back after each visit.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Siegelman Today!
Dr. Louis Siegelman has extensive experience treating patients with anxiety, including PTSD. Call today at (212) 974-8737 or fill out a Contact Form here to learn more. We proudly treat patients in New York City, Westchester County, Long Island, Rockland County, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
