Tips And Tricks To Ease Dental Fear

Dental phobia or dental anxiety is the fear of going to the dentist. With dental anxiety, patients may avoid going to the dentist or delay their routine checkups. If left unaddressed, dental anxiety can lead to more severe problems.

Discuss your fears with the dentist

Many dentists are trained to ease patient fears by discussing their issues, using words that are easy to understand, and showing empathy for the patient’s concerns. When your dentist knows your anxiety triggers, he can help you deal with them better. 

Agree on a signal

For patients who experience extreme anxiety or fear during their appointments, agreeing on a common signal that your dentist and patient can use can help you to feel calmer throughout your appointment. A patient may have specific fears of pain, so knowing the signal can allow them to alert their dentist if they are feeling any discomfort so they can adjust the treatment as needed. For example, a signal could be raising your hand to indicate that you are uncomfortable and need a break. 

This tip can help to ease many patients’ fears because they can see that their dentist is paying attention to their needs and that they are doing everything they can to minimize the discomfort they experience with their procedure.

Take a friend or family member with you for emotional support

Having someone close can help you feel less anxious and more comfortable. You can ask them to rub your shoulders or hold your hand to help you cope. They can also remind you to breathe deeply during the procedure. Getting help from a loved one also helps you have a feeling of security and relaxation.

Bring distractions to occupy your mind during procedures

Consider bringing a distraction item such as a music player or a book to help you occupy your mind and reduce anxiety while undergoing the procedure. You can also request our dentist to prescribe an oral medication that can help in relieving the discomfort during the treatment. However, refrain from eating solid foods before your appointment.

Consider sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is used to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free experience during a dental visit. This treatment involves the use of sedative medicines or nitrous oxide gas to calm you and make you sleep through the procedure. You will remain conscious during the procedure but will not feel any pain or discomfort. Dentists recommend this treatment to patients who are too afraid to have a dental treatment done in the office. However, sedatives can be prescribed to patients for any level of dental anxiety.

Columbia View Dental is dedicated to providing you with safe, effective, and quality treatment. Contact our best dentist in The Dalles, OR, today at (541)296-5677 to learn more about our dental treatments. Get all your questions answered at Columbia View Dental, 1915 E 19th St, The Dalles, OR, 97058.