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Dental anxiety is the uneasiness or fear of visiting the dentist. It can be mild or extreme. Mild dental anxiety can be inconvenient, but extreme dental anxiety can prevent a person from going to the dentist at all.

Discuss your fears with the dentist

Talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns at your initial visit or at the first sign of anxiety. Your dentist will review your medical history and medications to help determine whether you need any premedication.

There are many fears that our patients share at our dental office. Some patients fear the sound of the drill or needles; others are afraid of injections. And certain patients feel anxious because they haven’t been to a dentist in a long time, and they are worried about what the dentist might find. Whatever the issue may be, make sure you are talking about it with your dentist so that they can help ease some of your fears.

Agree on a signal

If you are afraid of dental procedures, ask your dentist if you can agree on a signal to let him or her know when you need a break or want more local anesthetic. Your dentist will also see that you are more relaxed and comfortable during the procedure if they know you are uncomfortable and need more anesthetic.

Bring distractions

You can also bring headphones to listen to your favorite music or a stress ball to keep your hands busy, so you don’t think about the upcoming procedure. You can bring some reading material too if you like to read. You can also bring a tablet to watch funny videos to keep you distracted throughout the treatment. 

Take a friend or family member with you for emotional support

You are not alone in overcoming your fear of dental treatments. Your friends and family are there to help you through this difficult time. Talk to them about your fears and concerns and seek their support. You can also bring someone to accompany you during your treatment to make you feel more relaxed and comfortable. They can also hold your hand or give you company in the waiting room until your appointment starts.

Consider sedation

If needed, you can ask your dentist for a sedative to help you stay calm and relaxed throughout the visit. Sedation helps you stay relaxed and sleepy during the entire procedure so you can complete your treatments without any pain. Sedatives can also be used for patients with serious anxiety to help them relax throughout their appointments. Talk to your dentist today to know how sedation can help you have a stress-free appointment experience.