Dental anxiety is a common fear that affects many people, It prevent them from seeking necessary dental treatment, which can further lead to complex dental problems.

Here are some tips and strategies to help you overcome dental anxiety and have a stress-free dental experience.

Some of the common reasons of dental anxiety include:

Fear of Pain: Many people fear that dental procedures will be painful or uncomfortable. While some pressure may be an inevitable part of the process, it’s important to note that it is the goal of the dentist is to make sure you don’t feel any pain while they are working in your mouth. If you do experience pain while getting a procedure done, speak up!

Video - painless extraction of tooth with apical pathology by Dr. Abhishek Kumar

Fear of Injections: The thought of needles or injections can be daunting for many people, which is why it is important to find ways to relax so the dentist can properly treat you.

 
Fear of the Drill: The sound and vibrations of a dental drill can be unsettling for many people. But try to remember the dentist and their technicians are highly trained and knowledgeable about all the tools they are using.

Video - step by step single sitting painless root canal treatment by Dr. Abhishek Kumar

Fear of the Unknown: For many people, the fear of the unknown can cause anxiety. Not knowing what to expect during a dental procedure can make people feel uneasy. There also may be a fear of being unable to control the things going on.

 
Fear of Embarrassment: People may feel embarrassed about the condition of their teeth or their oral hygiene habits, leading to anxiety and fear about going to the dentist. Some people may fear being judged by the dentist for their dental health or lifestyle choices.

Fear of Anesthetic Side Effects: Some people may fear the potential side effects of anesthesia such as dizziness or feeling faint. Others don’t like the numbness or “fat lip” effect.

Dental Anxiety Tips

Choose a dentist who specializes in anxiety management

The first step to managing dental anxiety is to find a dentist who is understanding and supportive of your anxiety. Look for a dentist who is experienced in managing anxiety in patients, who is patient, gentle, and takes the time to explain procedures and answer any questions. They can offer a range of techniques to help you relax, such as sedation dentistry, which can make your dental visit much more comfortable.

Communicate any fears or concernswith your dentist

It’s important to talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns. A good dentist will listen to your worries and work with you to make your dental visit comfortable and stress-free as much as possible. Dental anxiety is so common, If you’re worried about voicing your concerns upfront, consider emailing or calling them.

Bring a friend or family member during your dental visit
Having someone you trust by your side can provide comfort and support during your dental visit.

Practice relaxation techniques
It’s important to try and remain calm before and during your appointment to avoid any extra discomfort. That is why we recommend finding some relation techniques that suit you. 

Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help calm your mind and body before your dental appointment. During your appointment, you can continue deeep breathing exercises guided imagery techniques, or mindfulness meditation. It may be beneficial to practice any of these techniques a day or two before your appointment to help reduce your anxiety.

Before your appointment, try deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation to help calm your nerves.

Distract Yourself

Bring headphones and listen your favorire music, audiobook or a podcast during the dental appointment, to help distract you during the procedure. Alternatively, you can try visualization techniques, where you imagine yourself in a peaceful and calming environment.

If you prefer not to bring headphones, ask your dentist if they can play relaxing music, reduce any lingering noises, or give you something to hold onto. Some dentists have televisions or can offer you a warm blanket to help ease your nerves as well. These can be good techniques to distract yourself from injections or the sounds of the drill.

Take breaks

If you feel overwhelmed during the procedure, ask for a break. This can give you a chance to relax and regroup before continuing.

Reward yourself

Plan a reward for yourself after the appointment, such as a favorite meal or activity. This can help you focus on the positive aspects of the experience and reduce anxiety for future appointments.

Don’t Procrastinate

Avoid waiting until your dental issue has become unbearable before scheduling an appointment. By addressing the issue early, you can prevent further damage and reduce the likelihood of needing more invasive procedures.

Oftentimes, people avoid contacting their dentist at the first sign of pain or discomfort, but don’t ignore your body! It is unlikely that dental issues will clear up on their own if you ignore them. By the time things become too painful to ignore, you may be dealing with a more hefty procedure than when you first noticed the discomfort.