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Dental fear or odontophobia is one of the most common fears among people. This fear is reason enough for them to avoid going to the dentist. Dental fear can develop as a result of previous dental visits. It can be due to pain, injection, or smell.

Discuss your dental fears with your dentist

Dentists understand that not everyone enjoys going to the dentist. They are professional people who care about your oral health and want to work with you to ensure that you are comfortable during your appointments. Don’t be afraid to discuss your fears with your dentist. They will understand and will do everything they can to make you less anxious and more comfortable. If you are scared of needles, let them know so they can avoid injecting you with a needle. If you are afraid of pain, let them know before they start working on your teeth so that they can take steps to help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. It is important to disclose what things make you uncomfortable so your dentist can adapt their treatment to better suit your needs.

Agree on a signal to use if you need a break

When sitting in the dentist’s chair, you might feel anxious and nervous. You may feel the need to have a break in the middle of your treatment. In this situation, you should agree on a signal with your dentist. This way, you can let them know that you are uncomfortable or if you would like a break. This signal could be raising your hand. Your dentist should respect this and not continue with the treatment plan.

Take a friend or family member with you for emotional support

A recent study found that people with dental anxiety were more likely to pass their fear to their children. Most people experience some level of dental anxiety during their visit. Rather than avoiding care altogether, consider bringing a loved one or friend along for support. Having someone you trust by your side can help relieve your stress. This person can also help hold conversations and make necessary decisions should you need them to.

If you strongly feel that you need someone else to accompany you, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist! He or she will be able to create a treatment plan that works for your situation and needs.

Bring distractions to occupy your mind during procedures

It is normal to feel anxious while you’re at the dentist’s office. Many patients choose to bring something to focus on while their procedures are being done. This can help to block out any discomfort you may feel. Some common options for distraction are listening to music or watching a movie on your phone or tablet. You can also bring a friend along with you to help distract you and keep you company. If you experience severe anxiety at the dentist’s, you may want to talk to your dentist about the possibility of using mild sedation for your procedure.

Consider sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry involves the use of sedatives to help the patient relax during dental procedures. There are different types and levels of sedation that patients can choose from based on their dental needs. Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are some of the common types of sedation used in dental clinics. Talk to your dentist at your next appointment to learn more about what procedure is right for you!

To learn more about our dental services at Cory L. Crouse, DMD LLC, call 808-487-3033 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 99-128 Aiea Heights #603, Aiea, HI 96701.