Most people don’t look forward to visiting the dentist, and we completely understand. Some people can experience extreme anxiety when faced with the prospect of a dental visit.
Occasionally, dental fear is so intense that it prevents patients from seeking the dental care they need. If dental fear causes you to postpone or skip dental visits, your anxiety could undermine your oral health and lead to significant problems in the future.
If you have a phobia of visiting the dentist, there are steps you can take to reduce your fears and make them manageable. The team at Alpha Dental Center is here to provide you with some useful tips.
Recognizing Your Fears About the Dentist
To overcome your fears of going to the dentist, you’ll need to acknowledge your phobia and figure out what causes it. Pain is a top reason patients fear dental treatments. For some, this fear is associated with a past experience. Others assume all dental treatments are invasive and painful. Sadly, shame is another common reason for dental anxiety.
Whether you identify pain, embarrassment, a fear of the unknown, or bad past experiences with dental care, we want you to understand that your fears are okay and that we can help you handle them.
A comfortable dental experience begins with open communication and then utilizes targeted techniques to ease your anxiety.
Communicate Openly with Your Dentist About Your Fears
The right dentist will be comfortable learning about your fears regarding dental treatment, and your communication can help provide a solution.
Believe it or not, dentists have a lot of experience handling dental phobias.
You won’t hurt our feelings by telling us how you feel, and we can offer various solutions to ease your fears. Talk to staff members about your worries and share any ideas about what will make you more comfortable.
Feel free to ask your dental team any questions you have about specific treatments and what you can expect during your visit. You can ask questions about tools, procedures, and medications. If you need some time to prepare for your treatment or need to take a break at any time, let your dentist know.
Consider Relaxation Techniques or Sedation Options
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, begin with proper preparation. You can try breathing exercises or meditation to reduce your fears. Ask a friend or family member to join you for your appointment. You can have a support person in the waiting room or even in the room while you’re seeing the dentist.
In some instances, you may have options for using nitrous oxide during treatment or sedatives that will help you relax. These medications are safe and can make your entire visit more comfortable.
If you suffer from extreme anxiety, many offices within Alpha Dental and our Affiliate Offices offer sedation dentistry. If this interests you, give us a call at 1(855) 50-ALPHA to find a sedation dentist near you.
Find a Dentist Who’ll Address Your Concerns
Routine dental care is an essential part of keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy.
When you visit the dentist, you can learn important facts about how to take the best care of your teeth and get preventive treatments to avoid cavities and other dental concerns.
Oral health is an important part of your overall health. Don’t let your anxiety undermine your health. Allow the right dentist to help ease your fears.
At Alpha Dental Center, we’re prepared to help you deal with your dental anxiety and have a relaxing and pleasant experience.
The world is more enjoyable without dental pain, and everything looks better with a great smile.
Get in touch today to find an office location nearest you by calling 1 (855) 50-ALPHA.