10 Tips to Ease Dental Anxiety and Get the Care You Deserve
10 Tips to Ease Dental Anxiety and Get the Care You Deserve
If you have been avoiding the dentist due to anxiety, you are not alone. Research has shown that dental anxiety affects as much as 36 percent of the population, with 12 percent experiencing extreme fear. Unfortunately, dental anxiety and phobias can keep people from accessing the care they need to keep their smiles healthy.
Taking preemptive steps and working with an experienced dentist can get your oral health back on track. To help, our team shares 10 tips for coping with dental anxiety.
1. Find the Right Dentist and Office Setting
It is essential to find a dentist who understands dental anxiety and prioritizes a calming atmosphere that can help you manage stress. A qualified dentist will offer a relaxing space, supportive staff members, and the patience you need and deserve.
When searching for the right dentist, look at ratings and testimonials, pictures of the dental office, and the practice’s website to see if it is a good fit for you. Our Henderson and Las Vegas cosmetic dentist has an abundance of experience working with patients who suffer from dental anxiety.
RELATED: 8 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Cosmetic Dentist
2. Share Your Concerns and Ask Questions
After choosing a dental professional who can accommodate your needs, an honest conversation can ease your dental anxiety. Understanding your specific concerns and fears will help your dentist take the necessary steps to avoid triggers. Likewise, knowing more about the procedure and being as informed as possible will help you prepare for your appointment.
3. Agree on a Signal That Lets the Dentist Know to Stop
Another strategy that can help you feel calmer going into a dental treatment is agreeing on a signal that will let the dentist know you need a break. For example, you can raise your hand or tap your leg if you are overwhelmed or stressed. Even if you do not use this signal, it may help to know you have some control and a way to communicate with your dentist during the procedure.
4. Try Deep Breathing Exercises
Deep breathing exercises have been proven to help with some mental health issues, including anxiety. By consciously controlling each breath and applying various techniques, you can make adjustments to the central nervous system and heart rate variability that improve your stress response.
Speak with your healthcare provider about deep breathing practices and if they could be beneficial for you. They may recommend these techniques before visiting the dentist:
● Diaphragmatic breathing
● 4-7-8 breathing exercise
● Resonance breathing
5. Look Into Meditation Techniques
Meditation is another method many people use to relieve stress and anxiety. With a focus on the mind-body connection, mediating involves clearing the mind and being present in the moment.
While different meditation techniques may be helpful for dental anxiety, most practices involve these steps:
● Sitting still and quietly
● Bringing awareness to your body
● Inhaling and exhaling intentionally
● Keeping your attention on a singular focus
6. Have a Support System in Place
Many anxious dental patients find it helpful to bring a family member or close friend with them to their appointment. Someone familiar who can comfort and support you during the procedure may be just what you need to get through it.
If your loved one cannot accompany you to the dental office, consider bringing a favorite blanket or meaningful object you can hold during treatment. Some patients find that having a piece of their home in the dental chair eases their nervousness.
7. Plan to Have a Distraction
Distractions can also keep your focus off the dental treatment and curb your anxiety. It may be as simple as bringing your headphones and having your favorite podcast ready to go. Other ideas include:
● Choosing a dentist with TVs in their operatories
● Watching a show on your phone or tablet
● Listening to calming music, an audiobook, or guided meditation
● Having a stress ball or fidget toy in your hand
Again, communication with your dentist is key. Let them know that these distractions are important and necessary to help you cope. Your dentist will work around these distractions to ensure you receive quality care.
8. Seek Treatment for Dental Phobias
Although some people are nervous about dental appointments, others experience serious anxiety or crippling fear. If you fall into that category, working with a therapist or other mental health professional who specializes in phobias may help you overcome these struggles.
Dental phobias may be caused by negative or traumatic past experiences at the dental office. Other times, it may be connected to fears of feeling helpless or embarrassed about how your teeth look. A mental health doctor can work with you to address these issues and find a treatment that is best for you.
9. Use Your Prescription Anxiety Medication as Directed
If your healthcare provider prescribed medication to treat anxiety or stress, taking it as directed can help you feel calmer during dental treatment. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe a short-acting anxiety medication that you take just before your appointment. As with all medication, follow usage instructions carefully.
10. Consider Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry, or sleep dentistry, is the ideal solution for many patients who are unable to get treatment because of dental anxiety. These services offer mild, moderate, and deeper levels of sedation in which patients are in a conscious yet sedated state.
Examples of sedation options your dentist may offer include:
● Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
● Oral sedatives
● Intravenous (IV) sedation
Sedation dentistry can help you feel calm, comfortable, and safe during a dental procedure. This allows you to get the treatments you need, and the dentist can work more efficiently while you are relaxed.
Schedule a Consultation With Las Vegas Aesthetic Dentistry
If you suffer from dental anxiety, Dr. Tati and our team at Las Vegas Aesthetic Dentistry can help. Our tranquil, spa-like dental office in Henderson, NV, creates a calm and welcoming environment that makes you feel at ease. We also offer sedation dentistry services, a friendly and supportive staff, and connections to helpful resources.
Ready to get your smile back? Contact us now to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tati. We will discuss your needs, our services, and how we can work together in a manner that is most comfortable for you.