Got Dental Anxiety? Coping Methods that Can Help

Dental phobia is a common phobia that impacts millions of people around the world. Dental phobia is the fear of dentists and anything related to dentistry. It can lead to severe anxiety and even panic attacks. Dental phobia is often caused by a bad dental experience. If you have dental anxiety, here are a few helpful tips.

Speak up about your fears

If you’re experiencing fear or anxiety about your upcoming dental treatments, you should talk to your dentist about it. It’s important that your dentist knows your triggers and fears, so they can help alleviate them as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to speak up; it’s much better to get it all out on the table rather than letting your nerves get the best of you.

If you have special instructions from your dentist for when you leave the office after a procedure, remember to follow them exactly. This includes when and how you take medications, which foods to avoid, and anything else your dentist told you to do after your appointment.

Agree on a signal

Allow your dentist to know that you are nervous about treatment by agreeing upon a signal to let him or her know to stop or slow down. Many dentists will be more than happy to work with you to make your appointment as comfortable as possible. The less you have to worry about during treatment, the better you will feel and the more likely you will be to follow through with your treatment plan.

Take a trusted person with you

Have you ever had a dentist appointment with a friend or family member? Having a family member or friend there for support can take away a lot of anxiety. Consider taking someone you trust who can help distract you and keep you calm during the procedure. In some cases, that person can also help by providing you reassurance if you are feeling nervous.

Bring distractions

Distractions are very helpful in easing anxiety during any procedure. You can bring a book or your smartphone so you can listen to music or read a new book during the procedure. You can also bring a comforting toy that you can have near you while you’re in the dentist’s chair. Another helpful tip is to bring a friend or family member who you can go with to the dental office. They can distract you from the sounds of the dental office and keep you relaxed throughout the visit.

You can also use headphones to block out sound from the dentist’s office. This will also help you relax during a procedure. You can take deep breaths during the procedure to help you stay relaxed and calm during your treatment. This is similar to taking yoga. Deep breathing will help you stay calm and relaxed during a dental procedure.

Consider sedation dentistry

Your dentist will carefully assess your comfort level and medical history to determine whether you’re a candidate for sedation dentistry during your next procedure. Some patients may benefit from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation during the procedure. A trusted friend or family member should accompany you to the appointment to help reduce anxiety. 

If you’re feeling nervous or anxious about an upcoming dental treatment, our team is here to help! Please call to schedule a visit with us. We are happy to discuss how our comfort options can help put you at ease while you receive the treatment you need for improved health and aesthetics.