Let’s be honest – the dentist probably isn’t your favourite place to be, right?
For some, a visit to the dentist is one of those manageable experiences. But for others, just the thought of sitting in the dental chair can trigger a wave of anxiety, even leading them to delay or entirely avoid dental care altogether.
If that sounds like you, just know that you’re not alone. It is very common for people to feel anxious about visiting the dentist. While it’s common, the reason behind dental anxiety can vary from person to person. It could be because of a past traumatic experience, a fear of needles or even the loss of control.
However, avoiding dental care altogether can spiral out of control and result in a continuous cycle of pain, health problems and more complex and costly dental procedures down the road.
The good news is that there are steps that you can take to manage your dental anxiety and stay on top of your oral health. These include:
Talk to your Dentist
First things first – do not feel embarrassed about having dental anxiety. Most dentists are well-experienced in treating patients with varying levels of dental fear of even more severe phobias. That’s why the most important thing to do is to speak up.
Talk to our dentist about anything that makes you uneasy and puts you on edge. Our team will listen to you, understand your worries and help you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible.
By sharing any specific triggers or experiences with us, we can tailor your experience and treatment to ease your mind. For instance, if you are afraid of the pain, we might use a numbing gel or other pain relief solutions. We will also walk you through exactly what will happen during your visit, ensuring no surprises are coming your way to add to your anxiety.
Schedule a Morning Appointment
If you are anxious about your dental visit, scheduling it later in the day will only result in your anxiety building up throughout the day. We recommend scheduling a morning appointment and getting it done earlier to prevent that from happening.
Plus, make sure to arrive a few minutes before your appointment. It will give you a chance to settle in and relax before your appointment so that you won’t be rushing or feeling overwhelmed.
Agree on a Non-Verbal Signal
For some, the sense of loss of control while sitting in the dental chair is one of the main reasons behind dental anxiety. If you feel anxious about not being able to talk or move during a procedure, we suggest agreeing on a simple signal, like raising your hand, with our team before we begin.
Then, if you feel uneasy at any point in the procedure, all you need to do is to give the signal. We’ll pause right away so you can take a breather and collect your thoughts.
Bring a Loved One with You
Ever heard the saying – there’s strength in numbers? Well, it can definitely apply to your dental visits, too. Bringing someone you trust can help you deal with dental anxiety. Perhaps they can give you that much-needed pep talk. Sometimes, however, simply knowing that someone you trust is out there waiting for you can make you feel relaxed and calmer. However, make sure this person is someone who isn’t fazed by the dentist themselves.
Use Mindfulness/Distraction Techniques
If you are feeling anxious while in the dental chair, focusing on anything but what’s happening during your treatment probably sounds like a good idea, right? Here are some things you can do, plus some mindfulness techniques you can use to make your visit more comfortable:
- Listen to calming music, a favourite playlist or a podcast.
- Bring a stress ball, fidget spinner or a handheld object to shift your attention away from the procedure.
- Practice deep, slow breathing exercises to release tension and boost oxygen flow.
- Use visualisation or guided imagery to create a sense of calm during your appointment.
- Explore options like meditation or yoga to ease your mind before your visit.
The important thing here is to find what works best for you.
Opt for Sleep Dentistry
Have you ever wondered, “can my dentist give me something to help with the anxiety?” Well, then, the answer might be sleep dentistry.
Sleep or sedation dentistry is used to ease your pain and discomfort, turning those dreaded dental procedures into smoother and more relaxed experiences. Based on what you need and your anxiety level, sedation options may include:
- Oral Sedation: Involves tablets you take before the procedure.
- Inhalation Sedation: You will breathe in nitrous oxide, also known as happy gas, through a mask placed over your nose.
- Intravenous Sedation: A sedative will be injected directly into your bloodstream through an IV.
- General Anaesthesia: Suitable for patients with severe dental anxiety as it will make you fall into a state of deep sleep.
Our dentist at Warrnambool Smile Dental will walk you through these options and any side effects to ensure you are fully informed and help you choose the best option.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
The more regularly you visit your dentist, the easier it will be to manage your anxiety. When you do this, you will gradually get more comfortable with the environment, the equipment and the team. Moreover, you will also build a relationship with your dentist which will help make your visits feel less intimidating and stressful.
For instance, by scheduling those regular appointments every 6 months and making them happen, you can turn these visits into a routine, reducing anxiety over time.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care can be extremely helpful when it comes to managing your dental anxiety. Here are a few simple things you can do before and after your appointment:
- Avoid caffeine and unhealthy snacks before your dental visit.
- Take a break from your busy schedule to lower your stress levels and give yourself time to mentally prepare or recover from the visit.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and staying active.
- Make sure to get enough sleep leading up to your dental appointment.
- Treat yourself after a dental visit.
Taking these steps will help make your dental visits less stressful and more manageable.
At Warrnambool Smile Dental, we know that dental anxiety can be challenging to deal with. But, just by addressing or talking about it, you’re already on the right path. Here’s the thing – progress can take time. Just one or two visits to the dentist may not ease your anxiety, but that doesn’t mean you can quit either.
It’s important to manage your expectations and be kind to yourself along the way. Remember, putting too much pressure on yourself can make you even more anxious. So, take baby steps and make strides in the right direction, and before you even know it you’ll be able to manage or overcome your dental anxiety. Our friendly team at Warrnambool Smile Dental is also here to help you work your way through your anxiety and fears – from discussing different coping techniques to offering sedation options and creating a comfortable environment.