It’s normal for everyone to feel a few nerves when they are going to the dentist. But some patients have higher levels of stress – known as dental anxiety. If you experience this type of anxiety, even over basic dental checkups and cleanings, then our team is here to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
Rest assured, knowing that solutions are available to ease your anxiety and help you relax. Here are a few things you need to know:
What is Dental Anxiety? Understanding Your Fear
If you have dental anxiety, then it is much more than feeling a little nervous about going to the dentist. This issue causes a persistent fear or extreme nervousness about dental visits. It can range anywhere from a mild discomfort to extreme avoidance, depending on how strong your symptoms are.
Some people experience dental anxiety that is so intense that it stops them from seeking the dental care they need. The good news is that there are many advancements in modern, gentle dental care to make your visits more comfortable than ever. Our goal is to provide anxiety-free dental care for our patients.
The Impact of Dental Fear on Oral Health
It might be hard to hear, but the reality is that avoiding going to the dentist can hurt more in the long run. When you are skipping appointments, then it eventually leads to bigger problems. For example, avoiding regular cleanings and checkups can lead to cavities that progress into major issues, gum disease, and a need for more invasive treatments in the future.
It’s much better to have painless dental procedures for prevention, instead of waiting for problems to worsen down the line. Dental anxiety often causes a cycle of avoidance… delayed care results in more extensive treatments, which reinforces the patient’s fear of dental treatments.
The sooner you seek care, the more effectively you can prevent complications. The first step is finding a dentist for anxious patients – and our team is here to help.
Recognizing Dental Anxiety: Do You Have It?
Here are some of the most common signs of dental anxiety that we see in our patients:
- Thinking about your upcoming dental appointment triggers stress, panic, and a rapid heartbeat.
- You find yourself avoiding dental care altogether, going years without seeing a dentist.
- Physical anxiety reactions can occur, such as sweating, shaking, and nausea.
Why are you experiencing this anxiety? It’s often related to previous negative experiences. For example, if you had a procedure in the past that was quite painful, then it could cause a fear of dental treatment in the future. Another potential cause of dental anxiety is if you are feeling embarrassed about your oral health (self-conscious about your teeth). Sensory triggers can also be another contributing factor because some people are sensitive to the bright lights, sounds of the drills, and clinical smells.
Tips to Overcome Dental Anxiety
If you are experiencing dental anxiety, then our team is here to assist. Here are some of the most effective things that you can do to feel more comfortable during your appointment, helping to reduce the effects of anxiety:
- Good Communication: Have open conversations with your dentist about the anxiety you are experiencing. Also, the dental team can explain what treatments are being completed so that you know what is happening while you are in the dental chair.
- Ask for Breaks: If you are starting to feel too stressed or anxious during the appointment, then you can ask for a short break instead of suffering through.
- Dental Sedation: Consider using various types of dental sedation, depending on your anxiety levels and the types of treatments that are needed. Dental sedation options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, and IV sedation.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practice these calming techniques for dentist visits at home so that you can use them in the dental chair. Examples include meditation, breathing exercises, and music therapy.
- Support Buddy: Ask a family member or friend to join you for the appointment. They can be your support system. Sometimes it’s nice to have someone’s hand to hold during the appointment. This moral support can make such as difference to help with easing the tension.
Choose a Gentle Dentist
One of the most important decisions you will make that will impact your dental anxiety is the dentist that you choose to visit. Not only do you want to find a dentist who is gentle during the treatments, but you also deserve to be working with someone who has good bedside manners.
Our dental clinic understands the stress you might be feeling when you are in the dental chair. We’ve created a comfortable environment and a relaxing experience so that you can rest easy in a fear-free zone.
FAQs
What causes dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety usually stems from negative experiences in the past, a fear of pain, sensory triggers, or a loss of control.
How can I calm myself before a dental appointment?
You can use different calming techniques, such as deep breathing, listening to calming music, or meditating while you are in the dental chair.
What is sedation dentistry, and is it safe?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during the appointment. These treatments are safe when administered by a professional team.
Can dental anxiety lead to oral health problems?
Yes, if dental anxiety stops you from regular dental visits, then it can lead to oral health problems in the future. For example, untreated cavities lead to major tooth damage that might require more extensive treatments.
Our Team is Here to Ensure Your Comfort
Your comfort is our highest priority. If you need to visit the dentist but you are feeling anxious, we invite you to reach out to discuss your options. Dr. Kawani and her team offer compassionate and professional care for people of all ages. Contact us to learn more about available services.