How to Cope with Fear of the Dentist
Regular dental visits are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and preventing problems, but if you feel nervous or scared about dental treatments, this can be easier said than done.
Without timely care, minor oral health problems can become more serious and may cause permanent damage or need a more intensive treatment to fix. That’s why it’s important to find ways to manage your feelings and get the care you need in calm and comfortable surroundings.
Following these tips could help you to conquer your fear and make it less likely that you’ll need an emergency dentist in the future.
Talk to your dentist
Most dentists have experience dealing with anxious patients, and it’s important to find a dentist who you feel comfortable talking to about your concerns. Whether you’re visiting for a routine check-up, a filling or a more complex procedure such as root canal therapy, they can discuss coping strategies and may be able to modify your visit to avoid specific triggers, such as certain dental instruments or feeling a loss of control. You can also arrange a signal with your dentist if you need to take a break.
Use distractions
Your dentist might suggest listening to music or a podcast while you’re having a treatment to help take your mind off it or reduce external noise. Distractions may also help to occupy your attention and reduce anxiety while you’re waiting for your appointment to begin.
Practise relaxation techniques
Some people find techniques such as mindfulness and breathing exercises to be helpful in calming their nerves and helping them to relax before and during a dental appointment. Your dentist might suggest some exercises, or you can find techniques on YouTube to practise at home.
Bring a friend
Asking a friend or family member to come with you could provide emotional support, as well as giving you someone to talk to. If you’re having certain types of sedation during your treatment that affect alertness, you may not be able to drive after and your dentist may recommend having someone take you home for safety.
Sedation options
If other techniques aren’t enough, dental sedation could help you to feel calm during your appointment. Local anaesthesia is typically used for any procedure that may involve pain, but your dentist can discuss alternatives if you need additional sedation or prefer to avoid needles.
These sedation options will usually involve some side effects that your dentist will make sure you understand and they may extend your recovery period. You may not be eligible for some types of sedation if you have certain health conditions.
Seek professional help
If you have a more severe phobia related to aspects of the dental experience, you could find it helpful to talk to a professional therapist. They could help you to understand and eventually overcome your fear through processes such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or other approaches.
Talk to a compassionate dentist in Mosman
Whatever your concerns or anxieties are, our friendly team at Mosman 3D Dental have experience helping people of all ages to enjoy stress-free appointments and get the quality dental care they need. To find out more about our services or schedule a visit, call us today on (02) 9969 8610 or book online.