Is Anxiety Keeping You from Completing Needed Dental Work?

Dental anxiety and dental phobia are real issues - due to which many people skip their bi-annual dental checkups. Nearly 10 to 20 percent of US citizens avoid seeing dentists due to dental anxiety unless forced to head to the dental office due to an emergency. This, in fact, does no good to them as dental issues worsen over time, and treatments required for severe cases may require shots and drills as opposed to a simple oral exam and cleaning that could’ve prevented the need for complex procedures.

While dental anxiety entails exaggerated worry regarding the dental visit, dental phobia is a more advanced condition that could lead to panic with signs of sweating, racing heartbeat, crying, distress, etc.

How to Manage Dental Anxiety Using Coping Techniques

Try coping techniques that can help keep the anxiety at bay so that you may pluck up the courage to visit the dentist. Make sure you let your dentist know when you experience anxiety so that he or she can chalk out a treatment plan accordingly.

Coping techniques you could try are:

• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Guided Imagery
• Distraction such as listening to music
• Hypnosis
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Medications at our Dental Office for Dental Anxiety

Medication is also available to help with dental anxiety. These can be used alone or in combination with coping techniques.

Take a look at a few medication options available for dental anxiety:

• Topical Anesthetic
• Oral Anxiolytic Tablets
• Nitrous Oxide or Happy Gas
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation
• General Anesthesia

Tips to Ensure Smooth Dental Treatment

Here are a few additional tips that could help overcome dental anxiety and ensure you have a smooth oral treatment:

• Find a dentist who is specialized in treating patients with dental anxiety and one you are comfortable with.
• Bring a friend or family member along for support who can make you feel safe before and during the treatment.
• Make ample time for the appointment and try not to cramp it with a hectic schedule as that could aggravate stress.
• Discuss your fears with your dentist and other relevant details such as health history so that the dentist may suggest the best option for you.

If you have any other reservations regarding your dental treatment, give us a call, and we will be more than happy to help you through a peaceful treatment.