Simple Tricks for Overcoming Dental Anxiety Forever

Dental fear or anxiety is a very real condition that affects many people. Dental fear or anxiety can make it difficult for people to visit the dentist regularly and take care of their teeth.

Discuss your fears with the dentist

Your dentist will want to know about your anxiety level and the reasons for it. Do not be afraid to discuss this with them. Dentists are trained to help people overcome their fears and anxieties. They usually offer a few techniques to help you relax during your treatments.

It is important to discuss your concerns with your dentist before the procedure. It is best to speak up and voice out your concerns during the consultation because dentists have the ability to explain in detail about the procedure to you as well as answer all your queries. Be sure to tell your dentist how you feel about your upcoming treatment and ask if they can do anything to make the process more comfortable for you, like providing a numbing gel or applying a topical anesthetic.

Agree on a signal

Dentists understand that their patients may be anxious; therefore, they make it a point to listen and make you feel comfortable and relaxed. If you do not feel comfortable enough to speak up and communicate your discomfort with them, you can ask them to give you a signal when you would like to stop the procedure. Ask your doctor to walk you through each phase of the treatment and let you know when you can take a break if you feel nervous or not comfortable enough to continue with the treatment. This way, you and your dentist can agree on a signal beforehand that can indicate to you when you can take a break or when you can stop the treatment altogether.

Bring a support person

Bringing someone with you for support can help in easing your nervousness. It’s also comforting to have someone to talk to while waiting for your turn in the chair. You can choose to bring someone with you for moral support and distraction purposes. Your companion can take notes on what the dentist is saying and remind you of the strategy you had agreed upon prior to your visit. This can help you feel more relaxed during your procedure.

Having a support person can also help you relax by gently massaging your shoulders or arm muscles; or by providing you with warm tea or water to drink. Your friend can also help you practice the relaxation technique you learned during the consultation so that by the time you get to the office, you have mastered the technique.

Bring distractions

Bringing things to keep yourself busy can help distract you from the sounds of the drill and the pain you feel while undergoing treatment. Consider bringing a book or magazine to read while waiting in the reception area for your turn at the dentist’s chair, or bring an iPod to listen to your favorite songs during treatment. The less you think about the procedure itself, the easier it will be for you to go through it.

Consider sedation

Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to calm the patient during the procedure. The medication is administered through an intravenous line or pill form. It helps patients stay calm and relaxed throughout the treatment process. Some dental procedures, like dental implants and root canals, need multiple sittings and can be painful if done in a single appointment. With sedation options, the patient is awake but in a relaxed state throughout the duration of the procedure. Sedatives help the patient get the required dental treatment without unbearable pain.

Please reach out to our dental practice from your nearest location to have a consultation with our dentist. You can call us or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.