7 Tips To Ease Dental Fear

Dental anxiety is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. According to a survey, up to 70% of Americans suffer from some kind of dental fear or anxiety. Dental anxiety can be triggered by several things. Some patients experience anxiety symptoms due to previous bad dental experiences. Others experience high dental anxiety because they are scared of needles, injections, or treatment procedures. If you have dental anxiety, here are a few ways to overcome it.

Choose the right dentist

There are plenty of dentists out there, but some of them aren’t a good fit for you or for your family. Choosing the right one is crucial to your comfort and your dental health. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a new general or family dentist for you and your family:

• Look for a dentist who’s good with children. This is especially helpful if your kids need frequent cleanings and exams. It can be intimidating for kids to go to the dentist, so it’s important that they find a comfortable environment there, as well.
• Consider the location of the office. Is it convenient for where you live? Are you able to get there easily on your schedule? Is parking available? These are all things that should be taken into account when choosing a dentist.
• Ask about the services offered at the office. You want to find someone who has the skills and equipment needed to provide the treatments you’re interested in, like teeth whitening, for instance.
• Check online reviews before scheduling an appointment. Your friends and family may also be able to recommend a good practice to you.

Communicate with your dentist

One of the best ways to ease your dental fear is to openly communicate with your dentist about your fears, concerns, and expectations. Your dentist will then be able to work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you. Good communication between dentists and patients is key to a relaxed environment that will promote better dental care.

Schedule your appointment accordingly

Your dentist can work with you to schedule your appointments at a time that is most convenient for you. Most dentists offer early morning appointments to accommodate those who don’t like to leave work in the middle of the day for their dental care. 

Bring a friend with you to your appointments

Having a friend or family member come with you when you visit the dentist is a great way to ensure that you are more comfortable during your visits. They are there to provide support and comfort to you and can help distract you from any distractions or fears you have. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with feeling anxious in the waiting room.

Ask for sedation if you need it

Finally, if you’re struggling with dental anxiety, you can talk to your doctor about sedation options. There are different levels of sedation available to you, and all of them help you stay relaxed and calm throughout your procedure.

Relax

When you feel stressed, your body responds by producing adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone that triggers your sympathetic nervous system to activate your fight-or-flight response. This stress response results in an increased heart rate and blood pressure, along with faster breathing to prepare you to defend yourself. The fight-or-flight response is automatic and cannot be turned off. As a result, you need a way to relieve this stress quickly because you cannot be in this state for a prolonged period of time.

One way to alleviate stress is by distracting yourself with a relaxing activity such as listening to music or watching TV. Another method is to practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. These methods can immediately relax the mind and body.

Ask for sedation

If you are feeling anxious in the dental office, your dentist may recommend using nitrous oxide to help you calm down. Nitrous oxide is an odorless gas that is inhaled through a mask worn over your nose. It acts quickly to relax the body and calms you down so that you can be relaxed during a procedure. After the procedure is complete, the nitrous oxide will wear off after just a few minutes. Many patients find that nitrous oxide eliminates their anxiety and reduces fear so that they can receive the necessary treatment without worry. Be sure to consult with your dentist about your fears so that he or she can help you find the best way to cope with them during your appointments. 

Visit Smile Makers Dental Care, 901 Sunvalley Blvd. Suite 240, Concord, CA 94520, for a professional dental checkup. Book an appointment online or call us at (925) 685-9339 for any questions or concerns related to oral health.