It's common for dental patients of all
ages to suffer some degree of dental anxiety. Though dental anxiety
is a mere inconvenience for some individuals, for other patients, it
interferes with their ability to obtain regular dental care. In
severe instances, dental anxiety can turn into a dental phobia, where
the patient avoids going to the dentist until they're suffering
extreme pain.
Patients with dental anxiety or dental
phobias may forgo regular dental visits that can help them maintain
optimal dental health, or they might put off recommended dental
procedures for months or even years. If you have avoided going to the
dentist for an extended period due to dental anxiety or a dental
phobia, here's what you can do to remedy the situation.
Identify the Source of Your Anxiety
or Fear
The first thing to do is to determine
the driving force behind your dental fear or dental anxiety. Once you
know the underlying cause of your dental phobia, you can properly
address the source of your fear.
For example, many patients develop
dental anxiety due to concerns over experiencing pain at the dentist
or because they had a painful dental visit in the past. If you have
concerns over pain, it's important to find a dentist who will take
your fears seriously.
You should seek a dentist who offers a
variety of options to manage your pain levels. Many dentists offer
pain management solutions designed to put patients with a dental
phobia more at ease. It's essential to remember that advances in
dental technology have minimized the discomfort caused by many common
dental procedures.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing
gas, is a top alternative for many patients. You're allowed to drive
before and after receiving the nitrous oxide, as it only takes a few
minutes for the effects of the laughing gas to wear off. This is a
safe option for pain relief that makes it possible for many patients
to better relax during their procedures.
Some patients dread the pain associated
with the injection of a local anesthetic. A local anesthetic
injection is the first step for many dental procedures, but many
patients dislike the pain associated with getting the equivalent of a
shot in their mouths.
Seek a dentist who offers
electronically delivered anesthesia. Your dentist will attach
adhesive pads to your face and use a handheld control unit to deliver
electrical impulses. These electrical impulses will numb the face and
the patient can customize the level of numbness via the handheld
control unit.
A lack of control is another underlying
cause of dental anxiety. You may dislike going to the dentist because
you don't like not knowing what's going to happen or not being able
to control the flow of your appointment. Consider asking your dentist
for a longer appointment slot. This will ensure that your dentist has
ample time to explain all the aspects of your appointment and address
any concerns that you might have.
Schedule an Appointment with a
Dentist Who Fits Your Needs
It's vital to find a dentist who will
help you alleviate your dental anxiety and that you find it
convenient to go to. Many patients opt for a dental office close to
their job, gym, or favorite store, as these are all areas that
they're likely to frequent.
Plan to reward yourself after your
appointment with a fun workout, delicious meal, or a relaxing outing.
When you schedule a reward along with your appointment, this uses
positive reinforcement to help you view the dentist in a more
positive light.
You don't want to schedule an
appointment with a dentist in an area of town that you never go to.
This will only increase your anxiety, and you might use the
unfamiliarity of the locale as an excuse to skip your appointment. If
it's not easy to attend your appointment, you're less likely to keep
your appointments.
Ready to put your dental anxiety behind
you? Contact Dr. Teresita Hernandez, DDS today to schedule
an appointment.
