I want to help dental anxiety patients through experience and knowledge. For many people, going to the dentist is an unpleasant but manageable experience. For others, just the thought of going to the dentist causes severe anxiety, leading them to delay or avoid dental treatment. Unfortunately, this behavior can spiral into a vicious cycle of dental pain, health problems, worse anxiety, and more complex and costly dental procedures.
Dental anxiety and phobia
Drills, needles, and pain, oh my!
What causes your fear of the dentist? Let your dental team know which part causes your anxiety. Let them know if you don’t want to know what’s happening or want to know everything. Do you want to see the dental instruments or not.
Dental professionals are accustomed to patients having different needs and preferences. Your Dentist and dental team will help you with your needs. Maybe you need swallow breaks, rest your jaw break or just a rest.
Most dental procedures don’t have a lot of pain involved all though, mild discomfort during procedures and some soreness after wards.
Medications to reduce anxiety
There are several ways that your dentist can help reduce your anxiety with medications through different levels of sedation. Your dentist may prescribe anti-anxiety medication such as diazepam (Valium), that you can take one hour before a scheduled dental visit. Diazepam is very effective for most patients. Your dentist may also recommend conscious sedation, such as nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”), which can help calm nerves. You will still have control over your bodily functions, and this medication is applied only during the procedure. Lastly, general anesthesia, which puts you into a deep sleep, may be recommended for more invasive surgeries.
Prevention and the mouth-body connection
The best way to avoid complex dental procedures and pain is to regularly visit your dentist. Not only will your dentist diagnose problems and help you prevent future issues, but he or she will also help manage your oral health as part of your general health. Your mouth is the gateway to your body. For example, people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have periodontitis, gum disease, which could lead to tooth loss.
Overview for dental anxiety help
managing your dental anxiety will involve a combination of the above options. Talk with your dentist and explain exactly what makes you nervous about the visit. Your dentist will do a careful review of your medical history in order to make safe recommendations while considering your overall health. And lastly, visit your dentist regularly even if you are not in dental pain. This is the best way to prevent painful dental experiences and more complex and costly procedures.