How To Overcome Dental Anxiety
Overcoming Dental Anxiety With Designer Dental Services
Does the thought of going to the dentist’s office send chills down your spine? Would you rather bear excruciating tooth pain than see the dentist? Unfortunately, if the answer to these questions is a yes, you may be suffering from dental anxiety - and you are not alone. According to the American Dental Association, about 1 in every four adults avoid dental treatment because they are afraid of the dentist? But the good news is that dental anxiety is treatable. In this article, our dentist at Designer Dental Services, Dr. Grampp, offers simple tips to help you overcome your dental fears and begin your journey towards a lasting, healthy, and beautiful smile.
Go With Someone you Trust
Believe it or not, going to the dentist’s office with someone you trust - a friend, a relative, or your partner - will give you a huge confidence boost and reassure you that someone is there is to look after you.
Discuss your Fears
When you visit a dentist for the first appointment, let them know about your specific dental fears. For example, some patients are afraid of dental needles or sharp instruments. Others fear the sound of the drill or feel trapped in the dental chair. Letting your dentist know about your concerns will allow them to make specific arrangements to allay your fears.
Distractions are Helpful
Most modern dental offices have LED TV screens or music systems installed in the waiting rooms and operatory. So, while sitting in the dental chair, you could distract yourself by watching a movie or listening to your favorite music. Alternatively, you could listen to your favorite music on your phone or iPod.
Conscious Sedation
If you have extreme dental phobia and you can’t seem to find any way to calm yourself down at the dentist’s office, you could ask your dentist to consider performing your treatment under conscious sedation. In this type of sedation, you will be drowsy enough not to remember the events of your visit to the dental office but can still respond to the dentist’s instructions. Conscious sedation - either done through inhalation, oral, or IV routes - effectively relaxes extremely apprehensive and uncooperative patients.
Psychological Treatment
For patients who do not benefit from the tips mentioned above, Dr. Grampp suggests seeking help from a psychologist or psychiatrist. In most cases, dental fears in patients stem from a previous painful dental treatment experience. A psychiatrist can help you address your concerns, enabling you to make a fresh start by mustering the courage to step foot into the dentist’s office once again.
Don’t let your dental fears and anxiety prevent you from enjoying a healthy and beautiful smile. At Designer Dental Services, we understand that some patients have dental phobias. That is why we have a friendly and gentle team experienced in providing pain-free treatment in a calm and relaxing environment. So, visit us today and let us allay all your dental fears.