How To Ease Dental Anxiety? Five Coping Methods that Can Help

Dental anxiety is a fear of visiting the dentist or a dental phobia. People with dental phobia often avoid going to the dentist, which can lead to serious issues. Here are a few tips that can help ease dental phobia.

Speak up about your fears

Having a dentist who's willing to listen and genuinely cares about your feelings of anxiety or fear is extremely important to ease your anxious mind. You should never be embarrassed to tell your dentist you're nervous - they've heard it all! They want you to be able to relax and feel comfortable during your appointments. So speak up about your fears and concerns. Ask any questions you might have, and encourage your dentist to take the time to fully address your concerns so you can feel as confident as possible when receiving dental care.

Agree with your dentist on a signal

Agree on a signal with your dental team to let them know if you need to stop for any reason during your procedure. This can help ease your nerves by knowing that it's okay if you need to pause for a moment. Plus, it gives you a sense of control as you decide what is OK for you during the appointment. Your dentist can also let you know what they are going to do next as it progresses, so you're not completely in the dark about what's happening in your mouth.

Bring distractions

Pack distraction tools to take into the waiting room to keep your mind off of your upcoming appointment. Consider bringing a book, a tablet device, or a game to help keep yourself occupied until it's time for your appointment. This can keep you relaxed throughout the waiting period, and it can even help you feel more at ease once you get to the office for your treatment. Whatever distracts you from thinking about the procedure can be helpful --- so be sure to pack a few items to keep you calm and collected while you wait for your appointment time to arrive.

Consider sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a type of dentistry that uses medication to help patients relax during procedures. There are various levels of sedation, depending on how much medication is given and when. IV sedation dentistry administers sedatives directly into the bloodstream through a vein. Oral conscious sedation uses oral medications such as Halcion or Valium. Nitrous oxide (or "laughing gas") is a form of conscious sedation that eases your anxiety and relaxes you. Your dentist will help you decide which is best for you.

Ygnacio Dental is located at 1766 Lacassie Ave, Suite 101, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Call (925) 280-2848 to schedule an appointment or to learn more tips for improving your oral health.