How to Overcome Your Dental Anxiety
More than a third of Americans have a fear of the dentist or general dental anxiety, and about 12% have an extreme fear. Many people with dental anxiety forgo dental treatments, even when that leads to serious dental problems.
The good news is that you can overcome your dental anxiety and get the care you need for a great smile. Your dentist at Aesthetic Smiles Dentistry is dedicated to providing a calm, luxury experience that helps you actually enjoy a visit to the dentist, leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
How to Calm Your Dental Anxiety
Easing your dental anxiety is possible, especially if you prepare ahead of time. Here are some recommended ways to overcome your dental anxiety.
Recognize the symptoms of dental anxiety
- Heart palpitations, such as your heart racing, pounding, skipping beats, or fluttering
- Panic attacks
- Crying
- Low blood pressure/fainting
- Aggressive behavior or acting differently than you normally do
- Extreme sweating
Identify what you are anxious about
If you are like many people with dental anxiety, you might be worried about one or more of the following:
- Blood/bleeding
- Choking or gagging
- Feeling pain
- Needles
- The noises and/or smells of a dentist's office
Identifying the triggers of your dental anxiety can help you take specific actions to overcome it. If you worry about the anesthesia not working, for example, you can speak with your dentist about sedation dentistry or another type of numbing agent.
Identify the cause of your dental anxiety
Dental anxiety can develop as the result of:
- Past negative experiences
- Hearing someone else (often a parent) speak of a traumatic dental visit
- Feelings of helplessness or embarrassment
Find the right dentist
The right dentist will take the time to listen to your concerns then provide tips for overcoming dental anxiety. Look for a dentist who offers:
- A friendly and caring staff
- Great reviews from actual patients
- Simple answers for your questions
- A relaxing environment
- Personalized service
- Advanced technology that makes the dental experience faster, more comfortable
- Sedation dentistry
Bring a friend or family member
Having a trusted friend or family member by your side can help get you through even the most stressful experiences, including a trip to the dentist!
Make an appointment with a sedation dentist
Sedation dentistry – also called conscious sedation, twilight dentistry or sleep dentistry – allows you to feel calmer when you undergo dental procedures.
- Nitrous oxide: also called laughing gas, nitrous makes you feel relaxed without falling asleep; you’ll be able to ask and answer questions, and there is no recovery time
- Oral sedation: you’ll take a pill about an hour before the procedure; you’ll be very drowsy for the rest of the day, but you’ll still be able to ask and answer questions
Wear headphones and listen to music
Music can be a wonderful distraction from stress. Create a commercial-free playlist of your favorite songs: relaxing music is best. Not a music lover? No problem! Listen to an e-book during your appointment.
Hold comfort items
A small stuffed animal or squeezable ball can be a big source of comfort.
Arrive early
Rushing adds unnecessary stress to an already stressful situation. It can also make your heart worker harder, thereby raising your pulse and blood pressure. Getting there a few minutes allows you time to relax before your appointment.
Ask questions before your appointment or procedure
Fear of the unknown can cause anxiety. Create a list of questions to ask your dental team during your appointment or before a procedure. Plan on asking follow-up questions, and don’t be shy about asking them to repeat an answer or explain it differently if you do not understand the information.
Where can I find a dentist near me that knows how to help me overcome dental anxiety?
Our dentist in Shenandoah TX is a comfort dentist who will help you feel at ease during your next visit. Among our many other services, we offer nitrous and oral sedation dentistry to patients living in Chateau Woods, Shenandoah, and surrounding areas. Connect with us today to experience a spa-like atmosphere with accommodations such as weighted blankets, neck pillows, scented air, noise canceling headphones with your choice of music, Netflix, and much more!