Dental phobia may sound like a joke, but if it’s something you live with, it’s nothing to smile about. You might be scared of dental procedures, the feeling of powerlessness when you’re in the dentist’s chair, or the tools we use.
Although it’s easy to avoid dental checkups, it’s hard to ignore oral health problems when they arise. Toothache, deteriorating teeth and gums, and a failing smile can add to the anxiety while impacting your everyday life.
Like any other part of your body, maintaining good oral health is essential. So when dental phobia stops you from getting the care you need, what can you do?
In this guide, we’ll share some basic tips for fighting the fear and overcoming your dental phobia.
Work Out What You’re Scared Of
You might know that going to the dentist gives you a sense of anxiety, but you can’t quite place what it is you’re scared of. Although it might feel uncomfortable, thinking about what specifically causes you distress can help.
If you can identify your fears, it makes it easier for you to talk about and address them.
Think about whether you’re afraid of pain, needles, drills, or gagging or whether you dislike the smells, sounds, or equipment.
Talk To Us
We care about your oral health and your experience. Our team of compassionate dentists are here to ensure you feel at ease during your treatment. After all, if you cannot receive treatment, we understand how it can impact your life.
Talk to us about the things which cause you anxiety. There are certain changes we can make to help you manage your fears. We can also take appointments and treatments at your pace and discuss ways to communicate that you need a break.
Visit When It’s Quiet
A busy dental practice might feel triggering. Although we’ve designed our practice and clinic to be an inviting and safe space for patients, we also understand how waiting in a busy room can increase anxiety.
When you book your appointment, feel free to ask our team for a slot at a quieter time of day. We’ll always do our best to accommodate your needs, so you feel more comfortable.
Don’t Come Alone
You don’t need to come alone when you come to your appointment. Your friend, family member, or partner is welcome to come with you for moral support. Often, bringing someone you know and trust can make you feel more at ease.
Use Distractions
When you’re anxious, it’s easy to start overthinking. When this happens, your anxiety levels can rise. Distractions such as books and magazines, puzzles, or music played through headphones are a great way to block out unwanted thoughts and take your mind off everything.
Opt for Sedation Dentistry
We understand anxiety and how it can impact you, so we offer sedation dentistry. This is perfect for any treatments that may cause you to feel panicked.
Sedation dentistry leaves you feeling calm and relaxed. You’ll remain conscious and aware of what’s happening around you, but none of the fear and worry will stay with you.
If you choose sedation dentistry, bring someone and don’t drive immediately after your appointment.
Choose The Wand
Anaesthetic can help manage comfort and prevent pain, but if you’re scared of needles, having the injection is challenging. The Wand is a valuable tool that painlessly administers anaesthetics.
Instead of a sharp, sudden shock, you’ll receive pain relief in the least intimidating way.
Use Deep Breathing
Anxiety occurs when your body enters fight or flight mode. Stress hormones are released, your heart rate and breathing speed up, and you feel tense and alert to everything which could cause harm.
You can bring yourself out of this state with simple, deep breathing. Take long, slow deep breaths in and out over a couple of minutes, and your heart rate will drop and you’ll feel less on edge.
Speak To Someone
Lastly, you’re not alone. If you need support, there are many counsellors who you can talk to about your phobias. Find someone you feel comfortable talking to and learn new coping strategies to manage difficult emotions during times of stress.
Overcome Your Fears With Dental Suite
Dental phobia can get in the way of enjoying a healthy smile. We want you to experience stress-free dentistry, and our compassionate team are hear to work with you on overcoming your anxieties.
