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How to Overcome Lifelong Dental Anxiety
Cherrywood Dental • Sep 12, 2017
Stop biting your nails (seriously, it’s bad for your teeth!) and get more comfortable in the office
Dental anxiety: it’s easily the worst part of a patient’s dental care. Because what they fear might happen in the office is typically much worse than anything that will actually take place – it’s the old adage that we suffer more in imagination than we do in reality.
If you’ve had that anxiety for years, and stayed away from the dentist’s office due to fear, what you’ve conceived as possible painful or embarrassing situations that could take place in the office are dominating your approach to your dental care.
It’s time to disrupt this pattern and get you more comfortable with the office. Below, we’ve detailed the two important steps you need to take to improve your anxiety. First, consider what might be the cause of your dental phobia. This will help you identify what it is that you need to change. Then, take the recommended steps to start altering your dental mentality.
No matter where you are in your anxiety journey, we’re here to help. Just get in touch with our staff for assistance or answers to any questions.
What Are The Causes of Dental Anxiety?
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While estimates vary, one thing is for sure – a whole lot of adults experience dental anxiety. Some studies say that 1 in 7 adults experience high levels of anxiety, and others say that 9-15% of Americans avoid even visiting the dentist due to their anxiety. That’s really the bigger problem, because when you skip routine exams you risk developing more serious dental problems that require more invasive care – which only triggers further anxiety.
The cause of your anxiety is personal and unique to your experience. But there are some more universal factors that tend to inform their nerves and build them up to a larger phobia. See if any of these sound familiar –
- Past negative experiences with a dentist (often during childhood) – If you’ve had an uncomfortable dental exam or procedure in the past, then you will find it more difficult to pursue future dental care. These experiences often stem from childhood, as children are nervous about what their exams might be like. Unpleasant smells and sounds, unexpected pain, or uncertainty at what’s going to happen in the office can linger with a patient for years and prevent them from feeling good about future care.
- Other fears that are related to the dental experience – You may have another phobia that is wrapped up in your dental care and impossible to distinguish. If you have a fear of needles or a sensitive gag reflex, these stressors can prevent you from receiving dental care comfortably. Addressing these problems at their source will help you feel better about dental care.
- Feeling of helplessness / loss of control – Receiving dental care puts you in a unique position. Your face is incredibly close to your dentist’s and your hygienists, and they’re closer to your mouth than anyone typically is (unless you’re in a relationship with them). Combining that with being unable to speak clearly during an exam when dental instruments are in your mouth can lead to anxiety about not being in charge of your body and its closeness to those around you.
- Embarrassment – Many patients with dental anxiety procrastinate with their exams, sometimes taking long breaks between appointments. They can be very self conscious about dental problems that they may have developed during this period, and not want to show their teeth and gums to a professional. Something that’s crucial to remember here is that a good dentist is never going to judge you or shame you. They care about you and your health and want to act as your ally in helping you regain happiness and a disease-free smile.
- Fear of the unknown – This is the root of many other anxieties, and has been around since the dawn of human consciousness. The issue is, you just don’t know exactly what’s going to happen when you visit the dentist’s office. A part of you knows that it’s likely going to be okay. But another part of you worries about turning up a cavity that will require drilling, or gum disease, or something more serious like the need for a root canal. And the fear of unknown costs to fix these problems is tied up in those concerns as well.
How Can I Improve My Dental Anxiety?
Even if you’ve been anxious since your very first dental exam as a toddler, that can all change. There is going to need to be some work on your part, and some work on your dentist’s – but know that Dr. Pakpour and Dr. Barzgar love helping anxious patients get more comfortable, and value open communication. If you’re nervous about an upcoming procedure, let us know so that we can take steps to help put you at ease.
Before your next exam or procedure, consider trying the following –
- First thing: schedule an exam ASAP – If you have bad dental anxiety, it’s probably been more than 6 months since you were last in the office. Getting back on a regular exam schedule will help improve your anxiety for a few reasons. One, you visit the office more often, so you get accustomed to the sights and sounds and develop good relationships with the office staff. Two, you’re more likely to avoid serious dental problems because you receive preventive care. That means fewer feelings and reduced risk of gum disease.
- Talk to your dentist – Once we know that you’re feeling nervous, we can help talk you through your appointment. But we don’t always have noticeable signs that we can pick up on to take that approach, so please be direct – you won’t hurt our feelings.
- Book an early morning appointment – Get your exam over with! Schedule the first appointment available and go to work just a little late.
- Bring a friend or family member to your appointment – Having someone you are close with at the office with you can help you feel more relaxed.
- Ask for nitrous oxide – Dental sedation helps prevent your body from triggering anxiety responses, and keeps you feeling calm. Nitrous is easy to receive – you inhale it through a small mask over your nose and there are no needles involved – and takes hold quickly. If you’ve never tried nitrous and have struggled with anxiety, we recommend trying it for your next procedure.
- Listen to music – Ask your dentist if you can bring headphones and listen to something soothing during your appointment. As long as they can still communicate with you when necessary, this could help you relax.
- Try relaxation methods during regular life – Your anxiety can spill over into other realms. If you tend to be anxious throughout daily life, trying yoga or meditation could help you in the dental chair as well.
- Talk to a therapist – If you have more advanced anxiety, speaking with a professional is a good idea. They might recommended ongoing therapy to help you work through your fears.
- Find a dentist that you love – Remember, if you’re just not comfortable with your dentist, you’re never going to feel at home in the office. Look for a provider that makes you feel listened to and clearly cares about your comfort. Reading patient reviews is a great way to get a feel for what the patient base experiences with that office.