The Dread Of Dental Anxiety

If you get genuinely scared and nervous thinking about going to the dentist, you are not alone. Many Americans have a fear of visiting the dentist that keeps them from regular check-ups and prevents them from getting the dental care that they need. Patients with a dental phobia or with

dental anxiety are at a much higher risk for gum disease and tooth decay because of their lack of regular care. The longer that a nervous patient procrastinates on a needed visit, the worse an existing condition may get. One of the most persistent fears involved with dental anxiety is that the patient fears they have waited too long to get help. It becomes a cycle of a self-fulfilling fear. Here are some tips to overcome that dread of dental anxiety:

Address the cause of the nervousness

The cause for dental fear or anxiety can vary from patient to patient. Like stated above, one fear is that the patient has waited too long for help. They fear the dentist will judge them. Some are embarrassed over their dental health. Some patients fear pain. Some patients fear the cost and expense of the visit. Some patients have had a traumatic dental experience in the past that gives them anxiety over the next visit. If you can identify the true cause of your anxiety, you can start to address it.

Speak up

Your dentist and dental team can better help you stay calm, if you tell them about your fears and anxiety. If you have a specific phobia say of needles or anesthesia, your dentist can better care for you once you have addressed that. There are options for other types of dental sedation that may be best for you.

Distract yourself

Try focusing on your breathing or counting your toes the next time that you are overcome with anxious thoughts. When you are in the dentist chair, imagine yourself in your happy place. Sometimes an actual physical distraction such as a stress ball or a trendy new fidget spinner can help.

Your dentist wants to help soften the dread of dental anxiety

Dr. David Foster and Creekside Dental are here to help you through any dental anxiety. If you live in Columbia, TN, or Lewisburg, Lawrenceburg, Hohenwald, Centerville, Pulaski, or any of the surrounding communities, then call our office at (931) 388–3384 to schedule a consultation.