6 Ways to Deal With Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is no joke. Approximately 15 percent of all dental patients suffer from dental anxiety. This is not just an everyday anxiety; instead, it’s a fear or uneasiness that overcomes you when you make an appointment at your dentist’s office or when you show up for that appointment.

You are not alone in your anxiety. While some might just tell you to grin and bear it, this is a very real feeling for you, and sometimes, it is simply not that easy. However, there are things that you can do to ease your anxieties and make going to the dentist more bearable.

Check out these 6 ways to deal with dental anxiety.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Perhaps one of the best things that you can do to ease your anxieties is to ask questions. Share your anxieties and worries with your dentist or your hygienist and let them know what’s going on. Ask questions about the process, so you know exactly what to expect.

It is also helpful to use a dentist who will be patient and understanding with you. Some professionals are better at being mindful of your worries and easing your fears than others, so take the time to find the right dentist for you to feel at ease while they work.

2. Don’t Go It Alone
You don’t have to be strong for yourself and do everything alone. Find someone who can go with you and just be there as a backup or supporter for you. They don’t have to do anything except be there, and their presence will make you feel calmer and supported for whatever you are doing at the dentist.

Even if your guest waits in the lobby for you, just knowing that they are there and supporting you will encourage you and most likely help you relax rather than remain anxious throughout your entire visit. There truly is strength in numbers, so knowing you have support will most likely calm your fears to a more feasible level.

Providers understand that some people are anxious, and they will typically accommodate your needs for support or a friend to some extent.

3. Find and Use Calming Methods
If you’ve ever dealt with any sort of anxiety outside of dental needs, you probably already know which types of activities help calm you. If your anxiety is solely related to the dentist, that’s OK too! You can do several things that are known to be calming.

You can do these prior to your dental visit, and some of them you might even be able to use while you are at the dentist. Here are some calming methods to try out.

• Deep breathing (you can do this at the dentist office).
• Take advantage of technology, like headphones, books, TV and more. Some offices even provide TVs or similar solutions that patients can utilize.
• Do some yoga before you go.
• Play soothing or calming music.
• Find some sort of distraction, so you’re not focused on the tools or the noise.
• Occupy your hands with something small that won’t be in the way.
• Use your imagination and take the time to daydream or visualize a relaxing space.

4. Sedation or Medication
In severe cases of anxiety, you can request medication or sedation to help you during your treatment. Dental offices are often equipped with sedation methods like nitrous oxide that are used to relax and calm patients.
You have several options in medication or sedation. If you feel like this is the solution for you, then you will need to check with your dentist to determine whether or not they offer this option. Keep in mind that you may incur an extra cost for the visit.

Sedation comes in varying forms. You might be familiar with the term “laughing gas.” This is nitrous oxide, and it is a relaxer that you inhale. In addition to this common sedative, oral sedatives can be taken before the appointment.

In some cases, sedation can be administered through an IV, or general anesthesia might even be available for extreme needs. Talk to your dentist to determine your options and find the best solution for your anxiety.

5. Take Breaks as Needed
If you’re struggling or on the verge of breaking down, you can take breaks. Make your dentist aware of your anxiety, so they can respond accordingly. Dental offices that are sensitive to the needs of their patients will work with you here.

Come up with a signal or something that you can share should you need a break. If you know you can’t take anymore or you need a moment to relax, breathe and calm yourself, ask for a break. A quality office will accommodate your needs.

6. Find the Right Dentist for You
Every dental office has had a patient with dental anxiety at some point in their careers. However, how they approach that case of dental anxiety very well might be different from office to office. For your own sanity, it is vital that you find a dental office that will be sensitive to your needs and work with you.

Trusting your dentist is absolutely vital, and you might need to search around to find the best option for you. Find someone who you feel encourages you and accommodates your needs to reduce your anxiety and keep you calm, so you can do what really needs to be done.

Final Thoughts
Be proactive and work with your dentist’s office to ensure your dental health is taken care of. You will find that many offices are caring and compassionate, and they will do whatever they can to calm you and accommodate your needs so that you can have your dental services completed.

If you’re looking for a dentist office that cares about each of their patients in turn, we would be happy to offer you our services. You can reach our office by phone at 614-412-1029 or request an appointment directly on our website.