Simple Tricks for Overcoming Dental Anxiety Forever

Avoidance of dental care can lead to serious dental problems. Dental phobia or dental anxiety is a common form of anxiety. People avoid seeing the dentist due to dental fear. This fear is unfounded, but dental phobia can make people avoid going to the dentist for years. People with dental phobia often receive dental emergencies that could have been avoided if they had visited the dentist regularly. It can also lead to worsening dental conditions. People with dental phobia may feel nervous, anxious, and scared during a dental appointment. Dental phobia can make it difficult for them to go to the dentist, leading to dental health problems. In such situations, here are a few tips.

Speak up about your fears

You're not alone in feeling anxious before visiting the dentist. Many people avoid seeing a dentist because they have had a negative experience in the past or dread the thought of sitting in the dentist's chair. Your fears may be rooted in a previous bad experience that you had when you went to the dentist as a child. If this is the case, speaking to your dentist about your concerns can help you feel better about your visits. Ask your dentist what you can do to feel more comfortable during your appointment so you can have a positive visit. Your dentist can also offer suggestions for easing the anxiety you feel during a visit to their office. Common things that can help ease discomfort include bringing a distraction like your smartphone and listening to relaxing music in the treatment room. If you feel that you will be too nervous to sit through an appointment, ask your dentist if they offer sedation dentistry options to help you stay relaxed during the procedure.

Take a trusted person with you

Having someone you trust by your side can help ease your nerves before and during your appointment. It's normal to feel anxious before an appointment, and bringing along a friend or family member can be really comforting. Your companion can set up your next appointment while you're in the office, so you stay focused on the task at hand. Plus, they can remind you to ask questions or keep holding your hand if you need them to do so. Let them take you home after your appointment -- no one wants to drive while feeling nauseous from anesthesia! If they're not able to stick around afterward, ask if they can pick you up later. That way, you don't have to wait alone at the dentist's office until you're able to leave.

Bring distractions

As part of your planning, take a list with you of things to do while you are waiting or in the chair. For example, bring a book to read with headphones, a tablet to watch a show on, and a snack to nibble on. By bringing distractions, you are giving yourself something else to focus on besides the procedure. Distractions are especially useful for younger patients who are receiving a long procedure that requires a lot of sitting time.

Consider sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is any method of calming and relaxing a patient prior to or during a dental procedure through the use of sedatives and anesthetics. There are different levels of sedation that range from minimal to moderate to deep sedation. Deep sedation is typically administered while the patient is under general anesthesia, and the patient may fall asleep during the procedure. Patients should not fear the dentist; sedation dentistry allows patients to get the necessary treatment that they need without experiencing pain or discomfort. If you feel that you suffer from extreme anxiety when having dental procedures performed, then speak to your dentist to see if sedation dentistry is right for you. If you have been putting off getting dental treatments due to your fear of the dentist, consider sedation dentistry from our dental office.

To learn more, visit Brockman Family Dentistry at 11949 Lioness Way Suite 200, Parker, Co 80134, or call (303) 799-4333 for the best dental care.