Posted by Everybody has a fear, whether it is of lizards, the dark, heights, or even going to the dentist. You can occasionally avoid scary situations. You’re afraid of heights? Keep a tight eye on the ground. But you cannot avoid going to the dentist because of your phobia. After all, oral health is considered the window of your overall health, and avoiding a dentist could cost you a lot in terms of your general well-being. Click here to know more
You can do the following to make it easier for you to get to the dentist and get through the appointment:
- Be open about your fear
Inform your dentist that you are worried. Tell him or her what makes you anxious and if you’ve ever had a negative experience.
- In particular, if you have ever experienced pain during previous treatments, it is vital to let the dentist know. Despite having received local anesthetics, patients occasionally feel pain and that is completely normal and acceptable to the dentist. They frequently remain silent out of fear of upsetting the dentist or embarrassment. But remember that informing the dentist prior can help them adjust the dose and techniques of anesthesia accordingly.
- Ask if you may start with simpler procedures, and shorter appointments as well.
- Never be hesitant to ask for clarification. Some patients are concerned about what will occur both before and after the treatment, which is fine.
- Decide on a signal you can use to indicate that you need a break from treatment—for example, raising your hand so that the dentist can safely stop the tools running and allow you to spit or close your mouth.
2. Distract yourself! There are many things you can do to divert your attention from the treatment.
- Bring headphones and some music or an audiobook to listen to. It is best if they are those noise-canceling ones because most of the fear is because of those sounds of drills and equipment.
- Use a fidget toy or soft stress ball to occupy your hands.
- Ask your dentist if there are any alternative solutions that could be beneficial.
- Deep breathing facilitates the absorption of oxygen, which lowers your pulse rate and relaxes your muscles.
3. Breathing exercises
Anywhere, including the drive to the appointment, the waiting area, or the chair before treatment starts, is a good place to practice deep breathing.
Numerous breathing exercises are available; these might be helpful. For instance, try slowly counting to five while inhaling deeply. Hold your breath for a while. Then let out a long, relaxing sigh. For four or five breaths, repeat this.
You can also practice deep breathing when you don’t have an appointment. You’ll be more ready when you have one booked if you do that.
4. Exposure therapy
One of the best treatments for dental phobia is exposure therapy, a form of psychotherapy that involves more gradual dental visits.
You could begin by going to the dentist’s office without scheduling an examination. After that, you can progressively increase the scope of your appointments by adding partial examinations, X-rays, and cleanings until you feel ready to commit to a full session.
5. Medications
The following options are only for patients with severe dental phobia.
- Your dentist can help you manage your anxiety in a number of ways by administering varying doses of sedation.
- Anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed by your dentist which is to be taken an hour prior to your dental appointment in order to stay calm and relaxed during the appointment.
- There are options from conscious sedation to general anesthesia depending upon your general medical condition, level of anxiety, and type of dental treatment required.
PRO TIP: Visit the dentist early in the day when it’s less crowded. There won’t be as many people around, also there won’t be as many tools producing noises that can make you anxious. Additionally, your anxiety will intensify in anticipation the later you schedule your appointment with the dentist.
These are only a few coping mechanisms. Develop a strategy with your dental team that gets you in the door and keeps you coming back routinely without being anxious. It will take some patience and effort from your side as well as your dentist but once resolved, your fear will never come in way of getting the oral care that you deserve.