Many people avoid going to the dentist because they are afraid of the discomfort of the drill or the sound of the dental instruments. This fear can keep them away from the dentist for years and result in serious dental issues. It’s normal to feel nervous before visiting the dentist, but there are steps you can take to ease both your visit and the anxiety that comes along with it.
Speak Up About Your Fears
No one enjoys going to the dentist, but avoiding it out of fear only makes the situation worse. Take a deep breath and speak up about your anxiety. It’s common for many patients to need some sort of numbing medication or treatment to help keep their nerves at bay. Our team understands your fear and will adapt accordingly to help you feel extra comfortable throughout your appointment. If you’re feeling especially anxious, you can even ask us about the various sedation options we offer.
Take a Trusted Person With You
Many people find comfort in taking a close friend or family member with them to their appointment. A trusted person can take notes for you, help you relax by telling you a story, or just be there as a comforting presence. Additionally, they can speak up if they notice signs of nervousness or discomfort that the dentist may have missed. They can remind you to speak up as well if you’re afraid to do so!
Taking a friend is a great idea for procedures like wisdom tooth extractions and root canal therapy, which are more invasive and a little scary for patients. Having someone you trust by your side can help ease your nerves and even make the appointment go faster!
Bring Distractions
Patients should try to bring something to distract them from the sights and sounds of a dentist’s office. This can be a friend or relative. They should also bring an iPod or other music player so they can listen to their own music. Some dental offices may even offer TVs and other electronics to patients while they wait.
Ask for Sedation Dentistry
Dental sedation is a great idea if you have dental fear that prevents you from getting the dental care you need. At our dental office, we offer oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation. Ask our dentist if sedation dentistry is ideal for you.
