Do you dread going to the dentist? You're not alone – it's estimated that 36% of people experience dental anxiety and 12% suffer from extreme dental fear.
While common, it's not something you have to live with. Avoiding the dentist can significantly impact your oral health, especially because small dental problems can grow into large ones if left untreated.
Regularly visiting the dentist isn't just crucial for your oral health; it can also impact your overall physical health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to other health concerns like heart disease, pregnancy complications, diabetes, kidney issues, and more.
Before you start working on your dental fear, it's also vital to identify how severe your dental anxiety is. Someone with normal dental nerves will need much less work than someone with severe dental phobia. If you suspect you have extreme dental anxiety, it may be worth contacting a mental health professional directly to learn how to deal with these feelings.
Strategies to Manage Dental Anxiety
While dental anxiety can be difficult, we recommend trying these coping strategies.
- Open Communication
First, share what exactly you’re afraid of with your dentist so they can help devise a plan. For example, if you're scared of pain, they can tell you what level of discomfort to expect during your appointment and may offer local anesthesia. If your fear is more centered around being unsure of what to expect, then your dentist can help relieve your anxiety by explaining what they're about to do before they do it.
- Relaxation Techniques
When you have dental anxiety, it’s common to be nervous before, after, and during the appointment. Consider learning some relaxation techniques, like deep breathing exercises to help calm your worries. You can also calm yourself before the appointment by journaling to work through your thoughts, or by using meditation.
- Bring Distractions
Distracting yourself may sound like an obvious option, but it can help reduce anxiety. Listen to music, an audiobook, or a podcast, wear virtual reality goggles, or ask the staff to turn on the television if there’s one in the room.
- Gradual Exposure Therapy
Another option to reduce anxiety is to desensitize yourself through exposure. Talk to your dentist and see if they’ll let you come in a few times before your appointment to get used to the office and the equipment.
- Consider Dental Sedation Options
If your dental anxiety is intense, relying on dental sedation might be best. Your dentist can offer you nitrous oxide or oral sedatives during dental visits for more relaxation. However, dental sedation is offered at the dentist's discretion, so it's important to ask about this before your appointment.
- Building Trust and Support
Overcoming your dental fear is possible with treatment and proper support. We recommend that you seek support in and out of the dental office by talking with friends, family, or support groups along with finding a provider that works with and for you. Find an understanding dentist specializing in treating anxious patients. An uncompassionate dentist can worsen dental anxiety by pushing patients to do things before they're ready.
Book With Our Compassionate Dentists
Our dentists and teammates are always willing to work with you to make you feel as comfortable as possible, regardless of your level of dental anxiety. Schedule an appointment or give us a call today to find out how we can put you at ease and get you the dental care you need.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Some of the most common causes and triggers of dental fear are:
- A negative dental experience in the past
- Fear of the loud and intimidating dental tools
- Fear of the pain and discomfort
- A fear of needles
- Concerns about your oral health
- Fear of receiving bad news
- Feeling embarrassed about your dental health
- Worries around being scolded by the dentist
- Feeling a loss of control
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find a dentist who specializes in treating patients with dental anxiety?
Some dentists advertise that they specialize in handling dental anxiety. However, the best way to know is to talk to the office directly. Before you book an appointment, call the dental clinic and ask them if they've dealt with anxious patients in the past. Ask them to walk you through how they help to reduce dental fear in patients. If the clinic's techniques sound like they would work for you, it's a potential fit.
Is dental sedation safe?
There is a risk with any type of sedation, however the risk associated with dental procedures is small.
What are the different types of sedation?
There are four levels of dental sedation. Usually, minimal sedation is used in dental care.
- Minimal sedation: You're fully awake but relaxed and don't feel pain.
- Moderate sedation: You're conscious but may slur your words and not remember parts of the appointment.
- Deep sedation: You're almost unconscious but can be awakened if needed.
- General anesthesia: You're entirely unconscious.
Can I bring a trusted person with me to dental appointments for support?
Bringing a friend or loved one to support you can be a great way of soothing dental anxiety. We recommend that you notify your dental office beforehand to so they aren’t surprised and confirm that your support person can stay with you.
How can I maintain good oral health if I avoid dental visits due to fear?
Unfortunately, nothing can replace visits to a dental professional. Your dentist needs to see you at least every 6 months to check for problems you may not be aware of and address issues before they magnify. The best way to maintain your oral health is to find a dentist that works with you and your fear to help you stay healthy while attending your regular check-ups.
