Dental anxiety is a real problem that affects many people. The thought of going to the dentist can be terrifying, causing feelings of dread and panic.
It’s understandable — who wants sharp instruments and drills poking around in their mouth? But avoiding dental appointments altogether can lead to serious oral health problems in the long run, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
Symptoms of Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is the anxiety and stress associated with the dental setting. It’s a little bit different from dentophobia, which is an extreme and irrational fear of dentists, but its impact on the patient is no less serious.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, around 36% of the population suffer from dental anxiety. So don’t feel ashamed for being afraid of a dental procedure. Over a third of the US population feels just like you do!
Anxiety over the dental process can come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s not just in your head! It can show up physically as nausea, sweating, trembling, and even panic attacks. Your heart may feel like it’s about to leap out of your chest, and you might find yourself gasping for breath. It’s no joke, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
On top of the physical symptoms, dental anxiety can also have a powerful emotional impact. It can be incredibly tough to admit to being afraid of the dentist, and this shame can make it even harder to seek help. You might feel helpless or out of control when you’re in the dentist’s chair, which can be a terrifying experience.
But there are ways to overcome dental anxiety, and it all starts with taking the first step and acknowledging that it’s a real issue.
How To Deal With Dental Anxiety
So, how do you overcome dental anxiety?
There are many ways to cope with the fear of the dentist. For starters, talk to your dentist! Let them know about your anxiety and concerns. They are professionals who deal with anxious patients every day and are equipped to help you through the process. A good dentist will take the time to listen to your fears, answer your questions, and explain procedures to you in a way that is easy to understand.
Here are some other ways which can help take the worry from your mind:
1. Practice relaxation techniques. Breathing exercises, visualization, and meditation can help calm your nerves and reduce feelings of panic. You can also try distraction techniques, like listening to music, watching TV, or playing games on your phone, to take your mind off the procedure and help the time pass more quickly.
2. Bring someone you feel comfortable with to your appointment. Bringing a trusted friend or family member with you to your dental appointment can also provide a sense of comfort and support. Just make sure it’s someone who can help keep you calm and relaxed, not someone who will make you more anxious!
3. You can ask us about our dental sedation options. If your dental anxiety is severe, you may want to consider sedation dentistry. This involves using medication to help you relax during the procedure. Depending on the level of sedation, you may be awake but drowsy, or you may be fully asleep.
4. A mental health professional may provide you with coping strategies. Finally, if your dental anxiety is becoming more serious and interfering with your daily life, you may want to seek professional help. A mental health professional can work with you to develop coping strategies and help you overcome your fear. There’s no shame in seeking help when you need it.
We want you to be comfortable, and that means acknowledging and helping you with your fear.
We know that for some patients, the dental process sparks a lot of anxiety. But that’s okay. You can ask us all the questions you want because we want you to be as comfortable and fully informed as possible. Remember, your dental professionals are there to help you, not to judge you.
So take a deep breath, give us a call at 541-708-6288, and ask away!
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