Dental anxiety is an intense fear of going to the dentist. It can cause a person to avoid the dentist altogether or avoid necessary dental care. 

Speak up about your fears

If you’re afraid of the dentist, tell your dentist before your appointment. Dentists are accustomed to working with patients who deal with some anxiety, including those who have extreme dental fear. When you know ahead of time that you’re going to feel nervous in the chair, your dentist can take extra measures to help you feel comfortable and get through your treatments safely. Some dentists may even offer you the option of laughing gas or oral sedation.

If you are feeling anxious about your upcoming procedure, bring it up with your dentist. Your dentist can talk with you about the reasons for your teeth’s poor appearance and offer suggestions for what treatment options are available to correct them. Together you can come up with a treatment plan that you’re comfortable with and can help you reach your smile goals.

If you weren’t aware that you would feel anxious during your appointment, don’t panic! It’s never too late to voice your concerns and talk over them with your dentist. Sometimes just talking through your worries can be enough to put your mind at ease. 

Take a trusted person with you

It can be scary to go to the dentist. Having someone you trust there can make it less nerve-racking. Choose someone who understands how important your teeth are to you and who will speak up on your behalf if you’re too nervous about doing it yourself. Your friend or family member could be the buffer that keeps you calm during a procedure.

If someone isn’t available to accompany you to your dental appointment, consider bringing along a book or tablet to keep you occupied while your dentist works on your teeth. Some dentists may allow you to listen to your favorite music during your procedure. You can also discuss ways we can help you feel more relaxed during your appointment.

Ask for sedation dentistry

Some patients choose sedation dentistry options to help them relax during their procedures. We offer oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation to help our patients ease dental fear. We’re happy to talk to you about any concerns you have and help you feel more at ease before and during your treatment. Many people find that their anxiety and fear go away when they use sedation dentistry during their procedure because it relaxes them while they are being treated. Talk to your dentist today to see if using sedation dentistry is right for you.

To schedule an appointment at our office, contact us from your nearest office at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!