4 Tips And Tricks To Ease Dental Anxiety

Dental phobia is a common fear among adults. About 15% to 30% of adults avoid going to the dentist due to fear. Dental phobia is more serious than ordinary dental anxiety because it can interfere with your oral health. Dental phobia can make it difficult for you to visit the dentist for regular checkups. If you have dental phobia, read on to learn how to ease your fear. 

Speak Up About Your Fears

How do you feel before visiting the dentist? Are you afraid or anxious about the procedures? This is normal, and a lot of patients feel the same way. It’s your responsibility to talk to your doctor about your fears and concerns. Let him or her know how you feel and what keeps you from going to the dentist. This way, your doctor can work with you to come up with a solution that will help you ease your fears.

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while because of fear and anxiety, then it’s important to make the necessary adjustments. Start by letting your dentist know about your current condition. Be honest and discuss the things that keep you from going to the dentist regularly. You should also talk about your triggers and how you typically react to them. Keep in mind that there are dentists who are trained to handle patients with dental fear.

Agree On A Signal

You should have a signal with your dentist to let him or her know you are uncomfortable. This could be raising your hand or tapping on the table. Your dentist will respect your boundaries and will stop if he or she sees the signal. Try to relax and speak up about your fear before it becomes overwhelming.

Once you’ve begun treatment, you can ask your dentist to pause periodically so you can take a break if needed. Many people take longer to adjust to the sights, sounds, and sensations of a dental office than they would initially expect.

Bring Distractions

Bringing a distraction can help ease your nerves and keep you calm throughout the appointment. Some examples of distractions include music or headphones, a favorite book, or a stress ball. Let your dentist know in advance that you’ll be bringing a distraction so that you can make sure it’s allowed.

Many dentists are happy for quiet patients to bring small toys or stuffed animals with them to hold during their appointment. Just make sure to ask first!

Consider Dental Sedation

If you are someone with dental anxiety, you can benefit from sedation dentistry. Most dentists offer oral sedation and nitrous oxide that can help you feel relaxed and calm during dental procedures. 

To learn more about our dental services or to schedule your appointment with our Dentist in Colorado Springs, CO, call us at (719) 374-5496 or visit our dental office located at 1359 Interquest Pkwy Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.