While some people view a visit to the dentist as just another item to check off their to-do list, others see it as the last thing they want to do. Unfortunately, dental anxiety is common. In fact, an estimated 75 percent of adults in the U.S. experience some amount of fear when it comes to visiting the dentist. For roughly 10 percent, the fear is strong enough to be considered dentophobia, which can be so debilitating that it keeps people from even stepping foot inside a dentist’s office. Whether your fear is minor or severe, we’re here to help make your visit to the dentist an positive experience. To begin putting those fears to rest, we have some helpful tips to help ease your worries and reduce or eliminate dental anxiety:
1. Find a dentist you trust.
The most important thing you can do to help tackle dental anxiety is to find the right dentist. All dentists have had to deal with fearful patients before, but some know how to handle the situation better than others. Whether it’s because of their kind and comforting demeanor, the precautionary steps they take to ease your anxiety, or just the fact they take your fear seriously, an understanding dentist can make or break your experience. Do your research and read reviews to see what people have said about the dentist you’re thinking about using. It’s important, too, to call their office to see what their approach is to treat patients with dental anxiety.
2. Talk to your dentist and ask questions.
Once you’ve picked a dentist you can trust, the next step is to establish strong communication. The only way your dentist and dental staff will be aware of your concerns is if you discuss them with them; knowing about your anxiety will help those treating you adapt the care to your needs. Make sure you ask questions about what to expect and the different stages of the procedure or treatment. This way, you’re prepared for what’s to come and can get rid of the unknown, which is a source of fear for many.
3. Use a relaxation technique.
Relaxation techniques can work wonders for people with dental anxiety. Some ideas include breathing techniques, putting headphones in and listening to music, and using a stress ball. Another tip is to get relaxed before you even sit down in the dental chair. Try not to show up too early to your appointment, as waiting can increase anxiety. Occupy yourself in the waiting room with a book or something else you know will calm your nerves.
4. Bring a friend or family member.
It’s a common sight to find parents accompanying their children to the first day of school as a source of comfort and support. In the same vein, even when we’re older, friends and family members can still be a great way to calm our fears for potentially anxiety-inducing events like a visit to the dentist. Knowing a loved one is there for you can ease your fear. Just make sure to run it by your dentist first.
At Artistic Dental we understand that a visit to the dentist can trigger anxiety. To help our patients relax we have massage chairs in some of our exam rooms. We also have headphones that allow patients to listen to music or watch a show or movie. Using the latest in laser technology, the Solea allows Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari to treat cavities and other dental issues without drilling or the need to administer novocaine. We find many patients are fearful of the drill and shots and the Solea eliminates both in many cases.
We care about providing quality dental care, and one of our main concerns at Artistic Dental is ensuring our patients are comfortable during their treatments. If you experience dental anxiety and want to learn what we can do for you, please contact us at (602)-840-5400 or visit our website.