Simple Tricks for Overcoming Dental Anxiety Forever

Do you have dental fear? You are not alone. Many people in the US suffer from dental anxiety. If you are someone with dental anxiety, here are a few anxiety-relieving tips.

Discuss your dental fear with your dentist

The best way to overcome dental anxiety is to discuss it with your dentist. Share your fears and concerns with them and work together towards a solution. Your dentist will do their best to ease fear and discomfort while ensuring optimal dental health for you.

Let them know about your fear of needles or injections; they can help by giving you numbing gel prior to the procedure to ensure minimal pain and discomfort.

Let them know if you are extremely sensitive to pain, as they can make anesthetics more effective by tailoring them to your needs. For instance, they can apply anesthetic agents in a slow or steady manner to make the experience less harrowing for the patient.

Agree on a signal to let your dentist know if you are uncomfortable

Your dentist needs to know if you're in pain or feeling discomfort during treatments. As a precaution, you should let your dentist know ahead of time if you have sensitive teeth or if you gag easily. Consider agreeing on a signal that you can give him or her so you can get out of the chair when needed. Many dentists agree on hand gestures that patients can flash when they need a break. 

Take someone with you for added support

Most people aren't fond of going to the dentist simply because they don't know what to expect. Being anxious or afraid prior to an appointment only intensifies the situation. It is important to discuss your fears and apprehensions with your dentist so both of you can come up with solutions to alleviate any discomfort you may feel. If you feel uncomfortable having a conversation with your dentist alone, bring someone else along with you for support. – Your dentist will be more than happy to help you feel more relaxed during your visit. 

Bring something to occupy your mind during procedures

Some dentists may offer patients comfort options like headphones to listen to music or sunglasses to block the light from the exam room. There are also amenities available to help you relax, like massage pads on the dental chair or a warming blanket for your cold feet. If you have a mild case of nerves, bring along your favorite book to read or some handwork to work on while you are in the waiting room. This can occupy your mind and take your focus off of the worries you may have about the visit. You can also bring a stress ball to squeeze to help release tension. 

Ask for dental sedation

If you are highly nervous or have some severe dental anxiety, ask your dentist if there are any sedation dentistry options that they would recommend for you. Sedation dentistry is a great way to feel comfortable and relaxed during dental treatment. Some of the popularly used sedation methods include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. 

Dicus Family Dentistry is equipped with the best dentists and modern amenities that enable the best treatment for the patients. To learn more about us, visit our office at 15 McCabe Drive, #201, Reno, NV 89511. You can also reach us at (775) 828-7246 and schedule an appointment.