Many people avoid the dentist due to fear. This fear is often caused by past experiences, myths, or misinformation. Fearing the dentist is normal, and dentists understand this. They will do their best to make you feel safe and comfortable. Here are some tips to ease dental fear.
Speak up about your fears
Try to let your dentist know of your concerns so they can work with you on overcoming them. If you experience anxiety to the point where you can’t complete treatment because of fear, ask about sedation methods like nitrous oxide or oral sedatives.
Agree on a signal
If there is something that makes you uneasy in the dentist’s chair, ask your dentist if it’s okay to flash him or her a signal when you need something or feel uneasy.
Bring distractions
Bringing a distraction is a great way to help calm your nerves while also helping the time to pass more quickly. Make sure that you bring something that will keep you busy and your mind off of your procedure. This can include music to listen to, a book to read, or crossword puzzles to keep your mind occupied. This is especially helpful for procedures like root canal therapy, where it can take several hours to finish treatment from start to finish. Distractions are also useful for children when having dental work done. Try to bring activities that are age appropriate such as a favorite toy or coloring activity. Interruptions during treatment can be unsettling for children, so keeping their attention is important.
By bringing your own distraction to the appointment, you can also make sure that your device or media is readily available for you as well. This way, you won’t have to worry about trying to find a quiet space or internet connection to access your favorite things. Bringing your own entertainment is also helpful because it allows you to have control over the content you are accessing during your appointment.
Another benefit of bringing a distraction to your next dental visit is that you’re able to better control the environment around you. A dental office can seem crowded at times, with patients and staff moving throughout. Because of this, it can be hard to get a moment of silence from your surroundings. However, by bringing a distraction along with you, you can block out the noise around you and focus on the task at hand.
Consider sedation dentistry
If you suffer from severe dental anxiety or fear, you might benefit from sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you feel relaxed and calm during dental treatments. Talk to your dentist about whether sedation dentistry is right for you. Some common types of sedation include nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask during your procedure. Oral conscious sedation is administered orally before your treatment begins. It is similar to the feeling you have after drinking an alcoholic beverage. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout your treatment with both forms of sedation to ensure your health and safety.
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