One of the primary goals of dentists is to make their patients feel completely comfortable, relaxed, and at ease. However, with a huge percentage of patients suffering from some level of dental anxiety or dental phobia, they have their work cut out for them.
Fortunately, dentists have helped thousands of patients overcome their irrational fear with painless dentistry and other effective techniques.
The Effects of Dental Anxiety on Your Health
If you are like most people, you likely avoid at all costs anything that scares you. The same is true among those who also suffer from dental phobia or anxiety. A significant number of people also avoid visiting their dentists because of dental anxiety or fear.
Visiting your dentist, addressing dental issues accordingly, and getting preventive care all have a profound effect on your dental as well as overall health. If you let your dental phobia hold you back from visiting the dentist or getting the dental care you need, you will suffer from undesirable outcomes such as:
- Discolored and stained teeth
- Chipped, broken, or cracked teeth
- Gum recession
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Tooth loss
- Mouth pain
You can also experience risk factors and symptoms for other dental-related issues such as sleep apnea, TMJ, and even oral cancer.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Below are some of the effective ways you can effectively overcome dental anxiety or fear:
Strategy #01: Find the right dentist.
The right dentist can make a world of difference. You will feel more confident and comfortable about the care you will receive when you are under the care of a competent and seasoned dentist that you completely trust. As a general rule of thumb, opt for a dentist with:
- A friendly, caring, and approachable staff
- Great testimonials and reviews from current and previous patients
- A comfortable and relaxing office atmosphere
- High-tech and personalised dental treatments and care
02: Use relaxation medications and techniques.
Before your appointment, it is important that you get in the right mindset. Some people do meditation, stretches, and deep controlled breathing to help calm themselves down before a dental appointment.
For those with extreme dental anxiety, it will be a good idea to discuss with your dentist the type of sedation techniques that might be appropriate for your case. Some sedation options can include nitrous oxide or laughing gas or other sedatives.
Share your fears and concerns with your dentist so they can come up with a bespoke regimen that’s designed to meet your specific needs. Sedation options are considered safe and effective for managing dental fear and anxiety.
03: Arrive in the dental office early.
Rushing to get to your dental appointment will not only stress you out, it can also add to your dental anxiety. As much as possible, keep stressors to a minimum. Start by ensuring you arrive for your dental appointment early.
This can help ensure you have ample time to calm yourself down before your session begins. Arriving ahead of time can also give you a few extra minutes to ask questions, talk to the staff, or just relax and get ready for your dental appointment.