Tips And Tricks To Ease Dental Fear

Missing out on important dental appointments due to dental fear can lead to a number of oral health issues. If you are someone who is afraid of visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. Dental fear is more common than you think. It’s estimated that 75% of Americans experience some level of dental fear. Listed below are some tips you can follow to ease dental fear.

Choose The Right Dentist

If going to the dentist is something you avoid at all costs, it’s time to look for a new dentist. Start by asking people in your network for referrals. A doctor with an excellent reputation will have a history of treating patients respectfully and professionally. You’ll know what you’re getting into when you visit this dentist’s office for the first time.

Read online reviews to get an idea of the types of experiences other people have had with this dentist or practice. Choosing a dentist with experience and the right training can go a long way in alleviating your fear. A trusted provider will take the time to explain procedures to you and answer any questions that you have. There are dentists that specialize in treating patients with dental anxiety, so consider seeing one of these specialists if your fears are severe enough that you need specialized care.

Meet Your Dentist

The best way to deal with dental fear is to face it head-on by scheduling an appointment to meet with your dentist and ease your fears. You will want to choose a dentist who will take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns. Your dentist should not only be able to talk you through what will happen during your appointment, but they should also be willing to explain the treatment to you using easy-to-understand terminology. If you don’t feel that your questions have been answered to your satisfaction, don’t hesitate to ask again. It is much better to clarify any concerns you have about a procedure than to leave with lingering questions in your mind.

Communicate Your Fears To Your Dentist

By communicating your fears and concerns with the dentist, they can better explain what is going on in your mouth and what treatment options are available to you. This can help to alleviate your anxiety because of the explanation you receive during your exam or procedure. For instance, if a dentist knows you are nervous about a procedure, he or she might choose to numb the area so that you don’t feel anything during the work. In some cases, simply talking to your dentist about your fear is enough to feel more relaxed throughout the entire process.

Ask Questions

The thought of going to the dentist may make you anxious or fearful. The best way to ease your anxiety is to ask questions so you can understand what will happen and how you will be taken care of during treatment. 

For example, you may ask your dentist these questions and understand how the treatment procedures work to benefit your oral health:

• How long will my appointment be?
• What kind of anesthesia will be used?
• Will I feel any pain during the procedure? If so, how will I be helped?
• What type of cleaning care do you offer?
• Do you offer sedation for patients who feel excessively afraid during their appointments?

Bring Something To Watch Or Read

Some people are just nervous by nature, which means they have a hard time sitting still for a prolonged period of time. Bringing something to occupy your mind can really help you pass the time during the longer procedures.

Get Advice On Sedation Options

There are a number of sedation options that can help you get through your procedure without discomfort or fear. Talk to your dentist about your options and choose a method that works best for you.

There are different types of sedation available, including nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) and oral medications. Your dentist can help you decide which is right for you based on your needs and preferences.

To learn more, you can get in touch with us through online consultation or by calling us, and we'll guide you further. Call (516) 336-4902 to book an appointment at our Hicksville office and (516) 756-0111 for the Farmingdale office.