Being afraid of the dentist or having anxiety about seeing the dentist is more common than you think. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 75% of adults in America experience at least some degree of fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist. Out of this number, about 5% to 10% have extreme fear resulting in a diagnosable disorder called dental phobia. When the fear of the dentist outweighs reasoning, many people simply avoid going to the dentist. This can be detrimental, especially if the dental problem originates as something small that has a simple solution. Without the proper attention, this problem grows into something big, painful, and oftentimes expensive. In an effort to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering, here are a few ways to overcome dental anxiety.
The Origination of Dental Anxiety
Before jumping into some remedies, it’s important to understand the root of the anxiety. Dental appointments can be uncomfortable and more serious dental treatments may even be painful. Being in the dental chair makes you vulnerable; having your mouth open with metal tools poking and prodding around increases this vulnerability. This alone can cause anxiety. Another cause of anxiety is the fear that something will be wrong. People don’t want to hear bad news, but if there is bad news to be told, it’s important to hear it sooner rather than later.
Some anxiety is derived from bad childhood experiences, or even bad adult experiences. If you have a negative memory from a visit to your dentist, your anxiety may be higher, and you’ll be less likely to continue with your regular visits. Dental anxiety can also be passed down if your family discusses their negative experiences with you. That’s why, to help ease dental anxiety, it’s important to find a dentist you feel comfortable with.
How to Overcome Dental Anxiety
One of the best ways to handle dental anxiety is to recognize it and take a proactive approach to overcoming it. Here are some good places to start:
- Schedule a Meet and Greet – If you’re worried about your appointment or if you’re seeing a new dentist, don’t wait until your appointment to go to the office. Make a visit ahead of time to meet everyone and get a layout of the office. If you’d like, bring a friend or family member to help make it easier.
- Get Educated – Take some time to learn about what happens during a typical dentist appointment. Educate yourself on the process so you can feel more comfortable during your appointment.
- Be Open About Anxiety – Tell your dentist about your dental anxiety. It’s common and your dentist may have some targeted suggestions as to how to deal with your struggles.
- Bring a Distraction – Consider bringing along headphones so you can listen to music or a podcast during your appointment. This can help you distract yourself from negative feelings or anxiety.
- Find a Good Dentist – Finally, make sure that you find a dentist that you’re comfortable with and that you trust. Modern dentistry has come a long way and there are plenty of ways to increase your comfort, but finding a dentist you feel safe with is essential.
At Artistic Dental, we’re committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment for all of our patients—dental anxiety or not. You can feel confident that you’re in good hands and that our team understands and cares about your hesitations. If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling a meet and greet with our team, call us today at 602-840-5400.