Easing Dentistry Related Anxiety
Going to the dentist can cause anxiety, and that’s a normal reaction. You can overcome this fear by educating yourself and talking with your dentist and the dental team. Read on to learn more about dental anxiety and what you can do to overcome your fears.
Why do people experience dentistry-related anxiety?
There are many causes of dental anxiety. Among them are:
• Fear of pain
• Feeling like you are not in control or are helpless
• Embarrassment about the condition of your teeth
• Your own past experiences, or experiences of your family and friends
• Fear of needles, drills, and gagging
• Cost and/or extensive treatment
Though many people share in these fears, they can by overcome by talking with D. Jim or Dr. Kelly and their dental team.
How can my dentist help?
No matter the condition of your mouth, we are here to help you achieve a healthier, happier, more attractive smile that fits into your lifestyle and budget. We have been helping people like you for years, so put those fears aside.
Staff members at Generations Dental have been trained to help you understand what you can expect during a procedure or appointment. If you better understand what is going to happen during your visit, be it physical, procedural or financial, it will help to ease your anxiety. So ask a lot of questions and request informational materials prior to the treatment
During the procedures Dr. Jim and Dr. Kelly will employ anesthetic techniques in the gentlest of manner and they only precede when you’re comfortable and pain free. The doctors and staff will be sure to ask how you’re doing and inform you as to how the procedure is progressing. If desired we can explain what we’re doing next, to avoid any surprises. We want you to feel like you have control in the process.
After treatment you’ll be told what you might expect post-operatively and given instructions for a seamless return to you normal functions and routines.
What can I do to relax?
Schedule your appointment at a time of day that you are fresh and don’t feel rushed. Before your appointment, it’s best to avoid caffeine and sugar, which can increase anxiety. While you are in the waiting room, distract yourself: browse through magazines, or listen to music via headphones. Prior to treatment, share any concerns you have with the dentist.
While you are receiving treatment focus on your breathing – don’t hold your breath. When you do so, your oxygen levels decrease, which increases anxiety. Many feel listening to music or watching the TV glasses is a pleasant distraction from the task at hand, making the treatment time move much faster.
If you have any questions about your procedure right after or once you’ve returned home, talk to the team. It’s better to ask than to just wonder and worry. Talking with your dentist will likely ease your concern.
What if my self-relaxation attempts don’t work?
Prior to your appointment, you can ask our doctors about sedation. There are different types of sedation methods. The most common are inhaled (breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen) and oral (taking a medication by mouth) both available at Generations Dental. Sedation methods will make you feel more relaxed, even sleepy, making you generally less concerned or focused on the procedure.
Another type is intravenous (IV) sedation which is usually provided for more complex or specialty treatment, such as some oral surgery. We can work with our team of specialists to provide this service for you given your particular needs and desires.
Make sure to talk to us if you’re experiencing anxiety before, during, or after your dental appointments. We can provide helpful tips or treatment to make your trip to the dentist more enjoyable.