Simple Tricks for Overcoming Dental Anxiety Forever

Dental phobia, or dental anxiety, is a very real fear that many individuals experience. Dental anxiety can range from mild to severe. Severe dental phobia can keep you from getting dental care, which can lead to more advanced dental problems.

Discuss your dental fears with your dentist

Many patients only visit their dentists when they experience pain or discomfort in their teeth. This habit is understandable, considering most people find going to the dentist to be uncomfortable and nerve-wracking. But visiting the dentist regularly can help you avoid big problems in the future. Tell your dentist about your fears and concerns. It’s very common for patients to feel anxious before any dental appointment. However, if the thought of seeing the dentist makes you too scared, it is best to inform your dentist about it beforehand. This will help them understand your situation better and take the necessary steps to help you feel comfortable. You can talk about your worries and ask them to take the necessary steps to make you feel at ease during the procedure. For example, if you are afraid of injection, then you can try numbing the area with a topical anesthetic first. This way, you will feel less pain while receiving the treatment.

Agree on signals to use when you need a break

You may need to take a break during a procedure. This can be for any reason, such as to drink water or to use the restroom. Your dentist can explain when it would be appropriate to take a break and can also help you come up with a signal they can use to know you need a break. Use this signal to let them know you need to pause for a bit so you can clear your head for a moment. This can help your nerves to calm down a bit as you rest a moment before the procedure continues again.

Ask a friend or family member to come along for support

Consider taking a family member or friend along with you to your appointments. A trusted person can provide you with support during the visit and help you stay calm throughout. Also, they can make sure that all your questions are answered before you leave the office. Moreover, this can also help distract you from the procedure and allow the dentist to work uninterrupted. Make sure to bring a cell phone or any other device to keep you occupied while you wait for the procedure to start. You can also listen to your favorite music or podcasts to help relieve your anxiety!

Bring distractions to keep your mind occupied during procedures

Bringing something to distract yourself from the procedures can help a lot in easing dental fear. You can bring a book or magazine to read, your favorite music to listen to, etc. You can also bring someone to keep you company throughout your visit. Having a companion by your side helps you feel more relaxed. Plus, having someone to talk to can also distract you from the procedure at hand.

Request for sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is often recommended for patients who are very anxious about their treatment. There are different medications that can be used to help calm a patient’s nerves so they can get through a procedure more easily. Talk to your dentist if this is something you are interested in. They can give you more information and help you decide if it is a good option for you.

You can visit our office at 3550 S 5600 W #3, Salt Lake City, UT 84120, and get to know our team here. For bookings, call us at (801) 966-3166.