Take a moment to think about visiting the dentist. You’re probably not thrilled at the idea, and you may even feel downright anxious. It makes sense. Many people have had uncomfortable experiences in a dental office. However, it’s important to make sure your dental anxiety isn’t preventing you from scheduling your next visit and potentially impacting your oral health.
Understanding Your Anxiety
The dental office is a place where you give up control. You lay back in a chair while other people reach into your mouth. They have sharp things. They are blasting you with water. You may even have been in pain before you got there. It’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive in that situation. Think of it as a survival tactic. Surprise, your brain doesn’t want your body to hurt.
The key to getting through it is trust. Trust that your dental team understands your concerns. Trust that they are doing everything they can to help you. Trust that you are going to finish your appointment in better condition than when you arrived. Trust that you are going to be okay, and that everyone in the room with you is there to ensure that.
Building Trust
Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as telling yourself to relax, that it’ll be okay, and to stop being nervous. Anxiety is not a reasonable condition, and logic doesn’t always do the trick on its own. That’s why it’s important to work with a dental team you do trust and who can help you understand and manage your dental anxiety.
First, determine what’s important to you. Is it seeing the same person each visit? Is it a quiet environment? Maybe you like to wear headphones and snuggle up in a blanket during your dental visits. Decide what you need, and then communicate these preferences to your dental team to see what accommodations they can make to help you feel more comfortable.
Second, don’t beat yourself up if that’s not enough. Many dental offices have other tools up their sleeves to help with anxiety management. Whether it’s a medication you take before your visit, “laughing gas” during the procedure, or deeper sedation options, there are other ways to help reduce anxiety during more complex procedures. Communicating these needs is key.
Moving Forward
Your oral health is a fundamental part of your well-being. If you feel like your dental anxiety is preventing you from seeking dental care, consider looking for a practice that focuses on creating a safe, comfortable environment. You may even want to call to ask for a tour of the office before scheduling to see if it would be a fit for you. Your dental anxiety may feel overwhelming at times, but there are caring dental teams out there who can help you work to overcome it.
How do you climb a mountain? One step at a time. Take a deep breath and go for it. You’re not in this alone.
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