Millions of people suffer from dental anxiety. This irrational fear-or phobia-of the dentist prevents patients from getting the treatment they need.

Existing treatments for dental anxiety are typically administered in specialist clinics by interdisciplinary teams. However, it is possible to deliver effective first-line treatments for dental anxiety in general practice.

Bring a Distraction

Many patients experience dental anxiety Louisville KY because of bad experiences as a child or adult. However, this can be overcome and regular routine care is important to help prevent serious health problems in the future.

Having someone to talk with during your appointment can be helpful, particularly during more invasive procedures. This person can speak on your behalf if you become anxious or uncomfortable and may even distract you from the sounds of a suction tube or drill.

Open discussion about fear and anxiety in the dentist’s chair can help dental professionals understand what triggers each patient. They can then tailor management plans to address those specific concerns, including relative analgesia (happy gas), anxiety medication, or twilight sedation dentistry Louisville KY. Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy can also be an effective option for severe anxiety. Avoiding dental care can lead to poorer oral health, pain, and more expensive and complex treatments in the future, creating a vicious cycle.

Schedule Your Appointment on a Free Day

Try to schedule your appointment on a day that will give you plenty of time to relax before and after the visit. This will help to keep your anxiety in check and you won’t feel rushed.

Be open with your dentist about any fears you have about the appointment. This will allow them to create a warm and caring environment for you. They may also recommend a soothing sedative to ease your anxiety during the appointment.

Dental anxiety is a common problem that can lead to poor oral health. This can then cause more serious issues in the future and a need for more complicated treatment. To avoid this, follow the tips above to overcome your fear and make sure to schedule regular visits to the dentist for optimal oral health. You will be glad you did! This will prevent many problems in the future.

Bring Headphones

Many people find that listening to music helps distract them from the sounds of a dental procedure. You can bring your own headphones or many practices have them available. You can listen to relaxing music or even audiobooks to help you relax and escape into another world. The only downside to this coping method is that you won’t be able to hear your dentist or hygienist speak, so they may ask you to lift up an earpiece when they need to talk to you.

Some patients also find comfort in bringing their own blanket from home to drape over themselves during a procedure. The warmth can be comforting and familiar, and it may make time in the dental chair go by more quickly. Other patients may find relief through a practice that offers relative analgesia, also known as laughing gas. This is a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide administered through a small mask that fits over the mouth.

Establish a Signal

Dental anxiety is also known as Dentophobia or fear of the dentist and can be triggered by a number of things. These include needles, drills, the dental setting and other factors like sterile smells. The most common triggers are those of a painful past experience and the anticipation of pain.

Some people will start to feel anxious even before they step foot in a dental office. This can be caused by a range of things including their current level of stress, negative past experiences and the thought of going through dental treatment.

Having an open communication with your dentist is one of the best ways to overcome dental anxiety Louisville KY. Tell them what is causing you to be nervous and ask for tips to help calm you down before your appointment begins. This can include establishing a signal, such as raising your hand, to let them know you need a break or more numbing medication. This will give them the time they need to address your concerns.