Blog

Dental phobia, or fear of the dentist, is a problem that affects millions of people. Whether it’s the sound of the dental drill, the fear of pain, or something else, many people avoid the dentist altogether. If you have dental anxiety, here are a few tips to relieve it. 

Choose The Right Dentist

When it comes to choosing a dentist, you don’t want to choose just anyone. You want someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. Some dentists offer sedation as part of their services, which helps relax patients during their procedures. Make sure you choose a dental office that offers this option so you can feel more at ease during your visits.

Ask Questions

Many patients fear the unknown, and this may cause them to feel anxious before even stepping foot into a dental office. However, it’s important for you to ask questions so that you can better understand your upcoming procedure. For instance, if your dentist recommends an extraction, ask them why it’s necessary and how it will help you in your dental health journey. If you’ve lost a tooth, ask your dentist what tooth replacement options you have available. By asking questions, you will be more knowledgeable and prepared for an upcoming appointment or procedure.

Bring Your Smartphone or Listening Device

If you’re feeling nervous or anxious about an upcoming procedure, bring your smartphone with you so you can listen to music on your phone, read a book, or write in a journal. Smartphones can act as a distraction to help take your mind off your procedure. You can even download relaxing music to listen to throughout your visit.

Focus on the Positives

While visiting the dentist can be an uncomfortable experience, it’s important to focus on the positives instead of the negatives when it comes to dental care. For example, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a couple of years and feel anxious about an appointment, focus on the positive outcome that you will get from having your teeth cleaned or having cavities filled. This can help you feel calmer and more relaxed about your upcoming appointment.

Have a Friend with You

Having a friend accompany you to your dental appointment can help put you at ease. In fact, oftentimes, having a friend or family member can calm a patient who is nervous during a procedure. A loved one can provide moral support by talking to you throughout the appointment or taking your mind off of your procedure by doing something else, like playing a game on your phone.

Opt for Sedation Dentistry

If you’ve experienced a traumatic dental experience in the past, you may be anxious about your next cleaning appointment. Fortunately, you can get help dealing with your anxiety with sedation dentistry. You can discuss options with your dentist, such as nitrous oxide and oral sedatives. Both can help you relax so you can get through your treatment without any worries.

While both nitrous oxide and oral sedatives can help patients feel calmer in the dentist’s chair, they have different benefits. Nitrous oxide can leave you feeling relaxed but able to drive yourself home after your procedure. Oral sedatives are more potent and can make you sleepy during your visit. Discuss your options with your dentist to determine which is best for you.

Schedule an appointment with Premier Dental Group HI to learn more about good oral care habits. Contact us from your nearest location or visit our website to book an appointment.