Fear of the dentist is one of the most common fears people share. This fear can cause people to neglect their dental health, which can have an impact on their overall health.
Discuss your fears with your dentist
You should discuss all your worries and fears regarding an upcoming procedure or appointment with your dentist. Your dentist is there to help you overcome your anxiety and fear. Dentists are trained to deal with various patients’ anxieties. They will provide you with enough knowledge and information about the treatment to ease you mentally. You may also consider other relaxation methods and discuss them with your dental care provider. For example, some patients listen to soft music when undergoing a procedure, while others prefer laughing gas or nitrous oxide to calm their nerves.
Agree on a signal
To avoid any discomfort or pain during a procedure, let your hygienist know if you are uncomfortable. You can do so by using a hand signal or asking them a question. This will allow them to stop immediately and provide you the comfort you need to continue with the treatment.
If you feel uncomfortable just thinking about a procedure, let your dentist know in advance. They can offer you an anesthetic to numb your mouth before the procedure begins. Notify them about any medical conditions you may have that will require special attention during the procedure.
Take a friend or family member with you for emotional support
Having someone you trust accompanying you during the appointments can greatly help in reducing anxiety. They can provide moral support as well as help in distracting you from the procedure. Their presence can help you relax more and feel more at ease. They can even hold your hand or give you reassurance by talking to you or holding your head during the treatment. They can also give the dentist information about your medical history before the appointment. This will help the dentist plan your treatment accordingly.
Bring distractions to occupy your mind during procedures
Many patients need some form of distraction to feel comfortable during a procedure. Some patients bring headphones and music to listen to, while others bring a phone or tablet to watch movies and browse the internet. Others may bring books to read. Feel free to bring your own device and earbuds or earphones to use during your visit.
Don’t forget to ask your hygienist or dentist before using a phone or tablet. In some cases, the use of electronics can interfere with our tools. We will be sure to let you know if this is the case. In some cases, we may ask that you erase all personal identifying information from your devices before your visit.
Consider sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry is an effective way to overcome anxiety and nervousness caused by dental procedures. During your consultation session, your dentist determines if you are a suitable candidate for sedation. If recommended, you can opt for oral sedatives or inhaled sedatives. Oral sedatives are in the form of pills taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill makes you drowsy and relaxes you. However, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic and back home when the effects of the medication wear off. Inhaled sedatives are given through a mask or mouthpiece and are more effective than oral sedatives. These medications can produce a sleep-like state in the patient for a few hours after the treatment is over. Your dentist also administers local anesthetics for pain relief during the procedure. For people who have severe anxiety or fear, dentists may recommend general anesthesia. General anesthesia involves injecting the medicine intravenously or through an IV tube in the arm. The patient remains unconscious throughout the procedure. Patients suffering from conditions such as lung diseases, sleep apnea, pneumonia, COPD, and heart issues are not good candidates for undergoing anesthesia. Discuss your options with your dentist to learn more.
If you would like to learn more, speak to our dentist today to schedule a consultation. Visit Caspian Dental Center at 410 Park Grove Dr., Katy, TX 77450, or call us at 832-321-4901 now.
