Did you know that over 80% of Americans suffer from some level of dental anxiety? And that leads an estimated 9 to 20% of Americans to avoid seeing the dentist altogether (WebMD). Unlike less serious phobias that are annoying, but may not need addressing, preventative dental care is too vital to your overall health to avoid.
Untreated Dental Issues could include:
Stained and discolored teeth
Chipped, breaking, and cracked teeth
Gum disease
Gum recession
Cavities and tooth decay
Mouth pain
Tooth loss
There are also symptoms and risk factors for various other dental-related issues (like TMJ, sleep apnea, and even oral cancer) that could remain undetected.
Causes of Dental Anxiety:
1. Fear of Pain
For many, there’s an assumption that dental care is inherently painful. Between shots, drilling, and soreness, the potential of pain would cause anyone to be fearful! Fear of needles and shots actually ranked 6th in a recent poll of Americans’ fears.
Thankfully, modern-day dental techniques and treatments are far less invasive and much more gentle and comfortable than in the past. Not to mention, a good dentist will do everything they can to minimize or prevent pain during your visit.
2. Loss of control & fear of the unknown
Sitting back in a dental chair makes some people nervous and claustrophobic. It’s understandably uncomfortable to have someone’s hands and loud tools in your mouth. Drilling and suctioning are rarely enjoyable experiences. Or, you may have trouble getting comfortable because you’re not sure what to expect and that lack of control can be unnerving.
3. Embarrassment about your dental health
Even if your teeth appear to be in good health, you may be worried about “getting in trouble” for taking too long to make an appointment, or not flossing every day. For those with more serious dental issues, especially aesthetic ones such as missing or damaged teeth, the potential for embarrassment is even higher.
However, please remember: a good dentist will never judge or lecture you about the condition of your teeth – they are only here to improve your oral health!
4. A Previous Bad Experience
Unfortunately, some dentists don’t take the time and effort to provide a welcoming, calming, and comfortable experience for patients. Perhaps you were afraid of the dentist as a child, and these feelings stayed with you when you got older. Dentists may also assume that everyone has a similar pain threshold, or were dismissive about your anxiety. It could also stem from being pressured into an unnecessary or overpriced treatment you didn’t want or need.
Tips for Dealing with Your Dental Anxiety
1. Find the right dentist
The right dentist can make all the difference. You should feel comfortable, cared-for, and confident in your treatment plan. We know that going to the dentist can be stressful, and we want to make your visit as pleasant as possible. Our office offers amenities like cozy blankets and headphones for music, movies, or TV to help you relax. We give detailed explanations of exactly what’s happening during your treatment, and provide you with a range of options to fit your comfort level and budget. We also offer:
A friendly, caring, and knowledgeable staff
Great reviews from current patients
Straightforward answers to all your questions
A relaxing and comfortable office atmosphere
The latest in personalized dental care and treatments
2. Use Relaxation Techniques
Before your appointment, you can take some time to get into the right mindset. Some people find it helpful to stretch, meditate, or do deep controlled breathing before and during their appointment. Taking breaks when needed can also help maintain your calm. It can be helpful to establish a “signal” with your dentist ahead of time so they know when to stop.
3. Use the Buddy System
Ask a friend or family member to join you at your appointment. Whether you want the person to wait out in the lobby during your appointment or to be in the room with you, knowing you have a friendly face nearby can help you feel safer and more relaxed.
4. Arrive Early (but not too early)
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the office; rushing to make it to the appointment on time can cause anxiety. Plan to arrive a bit early to give yourself enough time to relax and get into the right mindset. Bring a book or magazine to distract you while you wait. Consider scheduling your appointment for the first thing in the morning - before you have time to worry yourself into anxiety.
5. Communicate with your Dentist
Don’t keep your fears bottled up — be sure to let your dentist and dental team know that you feel nervous. It’s a common occurrence, and they will have plenty of experience dealing with anxious or fearful patients. Before you even schedule an appointment, it may be helpful to reach out to the practice and talk to the dentist on the phone, engage in an email exchange, or have a quick informal chat outlining your concerns. Need some help explaining your concerns? Use this Dental Fears Questionnaire to identify your fears and outline helpful techniques. https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/media/patient-form.pdf
6. Ask lots of questions
Throughout your appointment, be sure to voice any concerns, questions, or discomfort. Your dental team is there to help. Want to know about a specific instrument or treatment? Ask how the tools are going to be used, what they sound like and what they feel like. Before it begins, ask your dentist to explain the procedure, what sensations and sounds you should expect, and how long each part of the procedure will last. Although, you may not want to know exactly what is happening, so let your dentist know your preference!
If you begin to feel anxious and need a break before continuing treatment? Let your dentist know, or use the signal you established before. A good dental team will happily accommodate your requests, and ensure you’re comfortable the entire time.
Dental fears and phobias are a real issue that affects many people. However, your oral health is a key factor in your overall well-being. Be sure to see a dentist who knows how to treat patients with dental anxiety. At Smile New Braunfels, you can contact us at any time to schedule a consultation and discuss your concerns about dental treatment. Our goal is to make you as comfortable as possible so we can take care of your oral health!
