Regardless of how exceptional your dentist is or how friendly and gentle the care is, some people suffer from dental anxiety. Some have dentophobia, an extreme fear, as a result of a previous dental experience that was traumatizing, worrying about pain they’ll feel during/after the visit, and a generalized fear of the dentist despite having a bad experience.
As passionate dentists who care about our patients like our own families, all of us at Rhoades Family Dentistry feel awful for patients with dental anxiety. Whether you have dental anxiety, someone in your family does, or you’re uneasy about dental exams and treatments, we’re sharing some dental anxiety tips to ease your nerves and make visiting the dentist a positive experience. Keep reading for some helpful tips!
What is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is when someone fears dentists or visiting a dental office. Dental anxiety is common; about 36% of Americans have a fear of dental treatments or procedures. Though a good percentage of U.S. adults fear the dentist, only about 12% of those individuals have extreme dentophobia, a phobia of the dentist that is associated with poor oral hygiene, as they avoid the dentist even when in pain.
Symptoms of dental anxiety can vary, but the most common are: shortness of breath, increased heart rate, sweating, feeling distressed or panicked, nausea, and more. Those with dentophobia will experience more intense symptoms like a panic attack, anxiety that disrupts their sleep, fainting, and crying at the thought of dental office visits.
Tips for Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Bring a Loved One with You
Whether family by blood or choice, you trust your loved ones to have your best interests; they know you, care about your well-being, and would be by your side if needed. The next time you have a dental cleaning or procedure, bring them to your appointment. Having someone with you that you love and trust is a great way to cope with anxieties about dental practices. They could hold your hand during your appointment or offer kind words. Their presence alone will help calm your nerves, knowing someone you trust and love is by your side.
Try Relaxation Techniques
If you are familiar with anxiety disorders, you’re probably familiar with breathing exercises that can help calm the body and mind down when experiencing anxiety symptoms. Try some of the following relaxation techniques the next time you feel distressed about the thought of a dental exam or procedure:
- 4-7-8 breathing: inhaling for 4 seconds, holding breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds
- Meditation
- Tense and relax muscles
- Go for a walk outdoors
- Listen to music
- Distract yourself with entertainment media
- Engage your senses
If you have a dental exam or procedure scheduled and feel anxious about the appointment, try the above tips before your arrival and during your procedure. Your dentist or hygienist can also implement anxiety management techniques during your appointment.
Visit a Dentist You Trust
If you’ve ever had a bad experience at a dental office, it can stick with you, giving you dental anxiety about future appointments. If you were unhappy with your previous dental office, try a new office until you find one you’re comfortable with or visit a dentist you trust. Your oral health affects your overall health, and you want to make sure anxiety doesn’t keep you from biannual cleanings or treatments.
Speak with Your Dentist About Anxiety-Management Techniques at Exams
If you have dental anxiety, speak to your dentist about anxiety-management techniques before or during your appointment. They should offer some modalities to ease your anxiety and make you as comfortable as possible. Some examples of anxiety-management modalities are entertainment media and oral sedatives. They should be willing to do everything possible to make your appointment a pleasurable experience.
Overcome Dental Anxiety with Help from Rhoades Family Dentistry
Rhoades Family Dentistry provides dental care for the whole family and understands dental anxiety. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll care about your entire family’s oral health and are here to help ease your worries about dental exams and treatments. We offer plenty of anxiety-reducing techniques:
- Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”)
- Oral sedatives to take right before your appointment
- An extensive list of entertainment media to focus your mind on something other than your dental treatment
- IV sedation for severe dental anxiety
Our staff is dedicated to making your exam or treatment a positive experience. We custom-make our treatment to fit your comfort level, so please discuss your concerns and anxieties so we can help ease your mind and make you comfortable.
Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy smiles!
