Over 20 million people claim to struggle with some form of dental anxiety; in some cases, their fears are so great that they neglect their dental hygiene by avoiding dental visits and refusing to deal with pain and other issues that surface as indicators that attention is needed.
Whether you or your children are experiencing anxiety, you owe it to yourselves to receive regular dental care, cleanings, and restorative services so that you don’t manifest more significant health issues as a result of moral decay. Here are some common fears and phobias around dental care, and what you can do to overcome them:
Common Fears And Anxieties Around Dental Care:
Some common anxieties that people have around dental care include:
- Fear of needles---the thought of injections and the associated pain in the gums are enough to drive people away from visits to their dentist.
- Dental drill--The sound of the drill often incites fear and anxiety in patients, and they may actually create additional sensitivity to pain as a result of the aversion to the sound.
- Fear of pain--no one likes pain, and people with a fear of dental procedures tend to exaggerate the anticipation of pain that is caused by them.
- Embarrassment about bad teeth---people that have neglected their dental health for years have anxiety and fear around exposing this to people. Being self-conscious about bad breath is another common issue that people have when avoiding the dentist.
- Fears about sedation---sedation is much safer than it used to be, but there are still risks associated with being put under for procedures. Talking to your dentist about your anxiety is one way to help you alleviate your fears.
What Can I Do?
There are things that you can do while getting back into the dental swing of things; it’s important to take things step by step as you work through your anxieties to ensure that you create enjoyable experiences that can soon outweigh any negative experiences that you have had in the past when receiving dental care. Here are steps you can take to help alleviate your fears and once again get moving in a healthier direction:
Choose a dentist you are comfortable with. It is vital to choose a dentist who will not only listen to but acknowledge your fears and work with you to craft a plan for alleviating them while moving forward with care. Look for recommendations from your friends and family. Consider finding a natural dentist that combines the best of cutting-edge techniques with natural substances to create a state of vibrant oral health. If you have a child who is anxious about visiting the dentist, find one who specializes in pediatric dentistry. Their use of the latest comfort techniques in combination with a kid-friendly atmosphere will create successful experiences in the chair that they can take with them later in life as they seek care on their own. Regardless of who you choose, ensure that you are completely comfortable with your dentist before booking too many treatments. If you are not happy, or if you have an experience that is less than satisfactory, look for someone else.
Identify your fears. It is hard to find a solution to a problem that you don’t know exists. Identifying your concerns will help you to realize where your issue is buried, and then you’ll be able to craft a solution with your dental care providers.
Take someone with you to your appointment. Some people simply find it comforting to take someone to their appointment as a source of support. Choose a friend or family member with a calming presence; one who can keep a level head during stressful times and one who can ask questions and receive information in the event that you are unable to.
Ask for perception of pain. Sometimes knowing more is all it takes to alleviate fears and anxieties. Ask your dentist and hygienist to warn you about how any sensations you might experience will feel---will it feel like a pinch or a mosquito bite? What can you expect before, during, and after treatment? If you know what to expect, it might be easier for you to emotionally and physically prepare yourself for treatment.
Ask for sedation if you think it will help. If you are about to undergo a complicated procedure, or if you think that you will not be able to emotionally handle treatment, don’t be afraid to ask for sedation. Talk through sedation procedures with your dentist; make sure you know what to expect, and have your dentist evaluate your state of health before receiving care.
Practice mindfulness and breathing techniques. Practicing meditation, mindfulness, and breathing techniques is a great way to lower your stress and calm your mind. Invest in your mental and emotional health regularly by engaging in this type of activity, and watch your nervous energy disappear.
Seek professional help if needed. If your anxiety and fear are getting in the way of your health, it’s time to seek professional help. See your mental health professional to determine what the root cause of your issue is so that you can move forward once more with a successful care plan.
Dr. Krueger: Your Partner On The Road To Dental Health
If you have anxieties and fears about visiting a dentist, no need to worry. Dr. Gordon E. Krueger DDS, MS, PA and his talented associates know how to work with you and help you with your anxiety so you can once again receive the care needed to return to dental health. Whether it's been a few months, or you've been out of the loop for several years, we will design a top-notch care plan that allows you to feel comfortable with all aspects of your dental visit. Visit https://www.gordonekruegerdds.com to get back on the path to vibrant oral health!
