5 Things to Do If You’re Scared of the Dentist

The dental profession has a bad rap for causing stress, fear, and anxiety in some patients. Many aspects of a dentist’s office—smells, needles, the sound of the drill—can trigger negative feelings. At Beckham Square Family Dental, we understand what dental anxiety can do to patients.

Before you set foot in our office, understand the difference between typical fears about the dentist and when those fears become debilitating dental anxiety. You can also learn five ways to ease your worries and approach your next check-up with greater optimism.

Signs of a Dental Anxiety or Phobia

As many as 20 percent of Americans avoid the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Severe dental anxiety can morph into a dental phobia, defined as an irrational fear and avoidance of the dentist. Other mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, depression, or bipolar disorder, can also heighten worry and interfere with getting regular dental care.

You may be wondering whether your fears are typical or reflect a deeper emotional issue. If what you’re experiencing is general fear, you’ll likely notice that you

• Schedule and keep your dental appointments, even if you feel nervous or uneasy
• May have trouble sleeping the night before a dental visit
• Seek attention for unexplained pain or discomfort, even if putting it off for a few days
• Worry more about specific aspects, such as the local anesthesia or the sound of the drill
• You maintain your twice-yearly dental visits and learn to cope with feeling nervous about them

Unlike common fears about going to the dentist, dental anxiety is a persistent condition. You may be experiencing dental anxiety or phobia if you have one or more of these symptoms:

• Crying
• Heart palpitations or a racing heartbeat
• Low blood pressure or fainting
• Sweating
• Using aggression or humor to mask anxiety
• Withdrawal
• Generalized anxiety about the dentist, not just specific triggers

If the mere thought of the dentist fills you with fear, it can be tempting to skip regular check-ups or to seek care for pain or more serious issues. Over time, however, avoiding the dentist can allow a minor condition to worsen, requiring more complex and expensive treatment.

5 Ways to Overcome Your Dental Anxiety

If your fear or anxiety gets in the way of your getting proper dental care, you’re not alone. Here are five things you can do to regain control and reduce or manage your dental fear:

1.    Talk to Your Dentist About It

For many patients, how much a dental procedure may hurt can be a “painful” subject. Rest assured, however, that if you’ve been enduring a persistent toothache, you’ve already experienced pain that’s much worse than what you’ll likely feel from any procedure your dentist performs.

Before you receive care, it may be helpful to ask your dentist or dental hygienist whether there’ll be any pain and, if so, how much it will hurt. Your dentist will let you know which parts of the procedure may be painful, typically when they administer local anesthesia. If this worries you, it’s okay to speak up. Your dentist may offer additional ways to make you more comfortable, such as applying numbing gel to the gums before injecting the anesthetic.

Aside from the slight pinch of the injected anesthesia, a dental procedure isn’t supposed to hurt. However, some aspects might be a little uncomfortable, depending on the treatment or your tolerance for certain types of pressure on your teeth or jaw area. Remember that with the pressure, there won’t be pain once the anesthesia kicks in.

Despite these assurances, you might still feel anxious about your procedure, and that’s okay. Choose a dentist who’s willing to pause during a procedure if you’re feeling too scared. Raising a finger or giving another signal can help you feel safe and in control while you’re in the chair.

At Beckham Square Family Dental, we want you to tell us if and when you feel anxious or uncomfortable. We’ll be happy to discuss what triggers your fear so that we can take the right steps to make your office visit a more positive experience.

2.    Acknowledge Your Past Experiences

Suppose you’ve had a bad experience with fixing a damaged tooth or getting a cavity filled. In that case, it’s understandable if you’re not rushing to schedule future dental appointments. But believe it or not, there are dentists out there who are compassionate and want your dental visit to be positive.

If you need dental care, take the time to find a professional with positive client reviews. Consider speaking with your dentist before your appointment. Sharing what happened in the past will give your dentist an opportunity to address your questions and alleviate your concerns.

3.    Try Relaxation Techniques

Before your appointment, try to cultivate a positive mindset. Do what helps you relax, such as stretching, meditating, or listening to your favorite music. Some patients benefit from controlled breathing.

4.    Bring a Family Member or Friend

They say misery loves company, but perhaps the company you keep during a dental appointment can make you feel better. If you have a close friend or trusted family member, ask them to accompany you on your visit. They can stay in the waiting area, or you might ask your provider if they can sit in the exam room with you.

5.    Ask Questions During Your Appointment

There’s rarely a wrong time to ask a question during your dental visit. If you don’t understand what your hygienist is doing, feel uncomfortable, or have another concern, it’s okay to speak up or signal that you have a question. Even if you need to take a break, let your provider know, and they’ll be glad to stop and make sure that you’re doing okay. The best providers often pause to ask how you’re doing.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety with Supportive Care

We work hard to help patients of all ages reduce their fears and feel more comfortable when they visit our office. Our caring professionals at Beckham Square Family Dental will work to understand the source of your fear and take steps to make you more comfortable. Whether it’s a professional cleaning, a root canal, or chipped-tooth repair, your experience should be positive and as pain-free as possible.

Dental anxiety is real, and it has a grip on a lot of patients. If this sounds like you, contact us today to learn how we manage pain and make your experience more comfortable. Knowing what triggers your fears and alleviating them is important to us.