Tips To Ease Dental Fear

Dental fear or anxiety is one of the most common reasons why patients avoid visiting the dentist. At our dental practice, we have helped many patients overcome their dental fear, and we would like to do the same for you.

Speak up about your fears

If you are afraid of the dentist, you are among millions of Americans who feel the same! Let your dentist know what is going on in your head so you can work together to come up with solutions for your dental fear. Your dentist will want to know about any past traumas associated with dental care. This can help them choose appropriate accommodations and create the right atmosphere for your appointment.

You can share all of your concerns before you see your dentist so they can better address them during your appointment. For example, if you experience nausea or trouble breathing when they place a rubber dam over your mouth, they can adjust the way they do the procedure or change the tools they use, so you aren’t as anxious. Don’t keep these concerns to yourself! Talking with your dentist will help them offer you a better experience overall.

Agree on a signal

Agree on what the signal will be if you need to take a break from the procedure. This could be raising your hand or waving. This lets your dentist know you’d like to be finished for the day and want to reschedule for another time. Otherwise, they can continue with your procedure as planned.

Take a trusted person with you

If you’re feeling uneasy or fearful about your upcoming appointment, then bring someone else with you to your exam. Having someone nearby can help distract you from the sights and sounds in the dentist’s chair. Share details about the procedure you’re expected to undergo so the person you are there with know what to expect. He or she can play a role in easing your nerves and calming you down if you need a bit of reassurance before the work begins. Plus, having another person with you can also give you the opportunity to ask questions that you might not feel comfortable asking your dentist. If your patient is a child, then it can be helpful to bring another adult along who can take on the role of emotional support for the child. 

Bring distractions

Bringing a distraction like a favorite magazine or music can help you relax in the dental chair. Consider using headphones so you can listen to the distraction of your choice without bothering anyone else in the office. Plus, you might not want others to hear your music choices!

Consider sedation dentistry

If your fear is preventing you from seeking dental care, consider sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, and oral conscious sedation are great options to help you relax during your appointment.

Many patients benefit from being in a deeply relaxed state during treatments. Sedation procedures are designed to keep you at ease throughout treatment while also helping the dentist complete your care in fewer visits. These treatments can also reduce the length of certain procedures like root canals or tooth extractions.

The dentists at Downtown Concord Dental can help you improve your smile. We are located at 2151 Salvio St Suite A-1, Concord, CA 94520. Contact us at (925) 566-8738 or visit our website to book an appointment with us.