Tips And Tricks To Ease Dental Fear

Taking care of your teeth is extremely important. It not only gives you a beautiful smile but also prevents various dental problems. Most people avoid going to a dentist due to fear or anxiety. This fear or anxiety keeps many from visiting a dentist for regular checkups and necessary procedures.

Discuss your fear with your dentist

Before beginning your treatment, inform your dentist about your anxiety and the reasons causing it. The dentist will be able to provide options that will help ease your fear or allow you to relax during the procedure. 

Agree on a signal

Before any procedure starts, make sure to discuss a signal with your dentist so you can alert him or her if you are uncomfortable or in pain at any time during the treatment. Dentists are used to working with patients who fear treatments, so don't hesitate to tell them about your fears and anxieties before the appointment. They will do their best to make your experience as pleasant as possible.

If you are feeling nervous during a procedure, don't be afraid to raise your hand and wave it back and forth as a signal that you are uncomfortable. Your dentist will be alerted to stop the procedure and address your concerns right away.

Bring a friend or family member for support

While having dental treatments done at the dentist's office is commonplace, some patients will still feel anxious or nervous during their appointments. It is helpful to bring a friend or family member with them during an appointment to provide support. Having a patient there to talk to and comfort them can be highly beneficial in keeping them at ease during the treatment.

Bring distractions to occupy your mind during procedures

Some patients also find it useful to bring a distraction to keep them occupied during treatment. This can be anything from listening to music on your cell phone, reading a book, or even watching a favorite TV show on the screen in ceiling. Whatever helps you relax and stay entertained is okay to bring into the exam room. Distractions can help you divert your attention from the feeling of fear or discomfort during a procedure. Play some music or take someone along to talk. This will help you feel better during the treatment.

Consider sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry can help patients overcome anxiety or discomfort during dental treatments. There are several types of sedation available, including nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. A dentist can discuss the advantages of each type and help the patient choose the right one for them.

The sedatives eliminate pain and decrease blood pressure as well as heart rate, breathing rate, and levels of stress. The patient will still be awake during the treatment but will feel completely relaxed during the process. Mild sedation makes the procedure seem to take less time, while moderate sedation can make the appointment seem like it's passing more quickly. With deep sedation, the patient will have no memory of the experience. When the procedure is over, the sedation will wear off quickly. Patients typically resume normal activities right away and can drive home after the appointment. Recovery from the medication is very quick. The key is to find the right type of sedation that makes you feel the most at ease during treatment.

Trailhead Dental, located in Wheat Ridge, CO, is equipped with the latest technologies and modern amenities that enable the best dental care facilities for patients. If you have any additional questions, feel free to give us a call at (720) 242-6803. We’re always happy to help!