How To Ease Dental Fear? Tips And Tricks

Do you experience anxiety each time you have to visit the dentist? You are not alone. Dental phobia or fear of the dentist is a common condition that affects millions of people.

• Choose The Right Dentist

Not everybody likes going to the dentist, and that’s okay! But finding the right one can make a huge difference in your experience. A dental office that values your comfort and makes you feel comfortable will make all the difference in how you feel about visiting the dentist.

Choosing the right dentist can go a long way toward alleviating your fear. Look for a dentist who is experienced, gentle, and offers pain-free dentistry. You should feel comfortable during any dental procedures and even throughout recovery.

• Get To Know Your Dentist

It’s important to trust your dental office, and one of the best ways to do that is to establish a rapport with the dentist and staff. When you schedule your appointments, mention any topics or questions you’d like to cover during your visits. For example, if you’re interested in a teeth whitening treatment, ask your dentist about it when you come in for a consultation. The dentist will likely welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and give you more information about their treatment options.

• Discuss Your Concerns With The Dentist 

Ask yourself questions - what is causing your anxiety? Is it the thoughts about needles, the sound of the drill, or something else? It’s important to tell your dental team about your fear so they can work with you to make your visit more comfortable. The more you learn about dentistry and dental treatments, the more you’ll understand that there’s nothing to fear.

• Ask for Sedation Dentistry

If you struggle with anxiety, talk to your dentist about it. There are a number of treatment options that can help ease your symptoms and make your time in the waiting room more comfortable. And don’t be afraid to ask about sedation dentistry options if the idea of sitting in a dental chair makes you anxious.

• Use A Distraction

At your appointment, you can also bring a distraction, like headphones, to listen to your favorite music during your visit. Distractions like music and television can also help you relax during other procedures as well.

• Understand Your Procedure

Before your dentist begins any oral surgery, he or she will explain the procedure to you. This lets you feel sure about your treatment and comfortable during the visit. When your dentist gives you an anesthetic injection or another form of sedation, you’ll also be given instructions on what to do before your appointment and after you leave the office. This helps you have the best experience possible while reducing anxiety so you can have a happy, healthy life.

• Bring A Comforting Item

Sometimes, the best thing you can do to ease your fear of the dentist is to bring something comforting with you. This can be a beloved stuffed animal or blanket that reminds you of home. Bringing this kind of soothing item can help to relax you while you’re in the dentist’s chair. Don’t be afraid to ask for a blanket if this is something that would help you to feel calmer during your visit.

Chaffee Pediatric Dentistry provides solutions for all your child's dental problems. We are located at 1239 East McKellips Rd #107, Mesa, AZ 85203. You can reach us at 480.739.2993.