From Fear to Calm: Overcoming Dental Anxiety

If fear or worry is keeping you or friends and family from dental visits, you are not alone! Dental anxiety, or dental fear, is estimated to affect approximately 36% of the population.

Anxiety, in general, is our body's natural response to anticipating danger or catastrophe. While normal anxiety helps people prepare for difficult challenges, sometimes anxiety can involve persistent fear that interferes with daily life.

Why are people scared of the dentist?

Dental anxiety can come from several places and experiences. Some examples of these fears can include:

• Potential pain and previous dental experiences: Previous bad experiences from visiting the dentist or hearing of someone's poor experience can create stress, anxiety and fear of getting treatment completed.
• Fear of needles and injections: Many people have a phobia of shots, particularly when used in the mouth.
• Loss of control: People may feel helpless or restless sitting in a chair with dental tools around their mouth.
• Sensory issues: Sounds associated with dental procedures can make some patients with anxiety feel uneasy and stressed.

Patients with extreme dental anxiety may delay their dental appointments, or worse, not see a dentist at all. This can mean that those with serious dental emergencies, like a broken tooth or a long-term toothache, may decide to live with the pain rather than seek treatment. Dental problems that are not addressed early can become worse over time, leading to more intensive and expensive treatments.

How can you cope with dental anxiety, and what can we do to help?

Dental anxiety can be managed so you can have a relaxing dental procedure. Here are some tips you can use to prepare for your next dental appointment.

The first step in dealing with anxiety is talking with us. We've treated many people in similar situations and can help you manage your stress and fears. Be sure to tell the dentist or the receptionist about your anxiety when you book your appointment and when you arrive for treatment. Depending on how severe your anxiety is, we can use sedation options, such as nitrous oxide ('laughing gas') or an oral sedative to help you relax during a procedure.

Try to use mindfulness techniques before the appointment. This includes deep-breathing exercises to help relieve muscle tension, lower your heart rate, and relax your mind, helping you feel calmer. Close your eyes and slowly inhale through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, and then slowly exhale through your mouth.

During your treatment, you can distract yourself by listening to your favourite music, a podcast, or an audiobook. You can also use a stress ball or a small handheld object to keep your hands occupied. Our office is equipped with television screens with access to a variety of programming - or bring your own!

Dental anxiety is more common than many people realize, and it often grows from negative experiences. The good news is that modern dentistry offers a wide range of options designed with comfort in mind, from clear communication and gentle techniques to reduce anxiety. Contact us if dental anxiety has kept you from seeking dental care - we are here to help!