Tips To Ease Dental Fear

Dental fear is a very common and normal feeling. Around 75% of adults fear the dentist. If you have dental fear, ease them by following these simple tips.

Discuss your dental fear with your dentist

Share details of your dental anxiety with your dentist. Your dentist is trained to ease your anxiety and can suggest ways to manage your fears during dental procedures. Sharing your fear can help your dentist identify the best ways for you to have a comfortable experience during your appointments. It can also make him or her more empathetic toward your needs and concerns.

You can share what you do or don't like about your dental treatments. You can also talk about past experiences where you felt anxious and uncomfortable during a procedure. When talking to your dentist, it is important to be detailed and honest. This can help you both come up with solutions to make the next appointment better.

Agree on a signal

If your fear of going to the dentist prevents you from attending regular checkups and cleanings, you and your dentist may agree upon a signal to indicate that you have something to share before the procedure begins. A hand gesture or a nod of the head are some of the signals you can agree on. Some dental offices also train their assistants to recognize signs of anxiety and nervousness in patients and help them cope with them.

Take someone for support

It is best if you can have someone you trust accompany you to your dental visits. Having support during the treatment can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable, especially with longer procedures such as root canal therapy. Having a loved one or friend accompany you to your appointment can give you peace of mind and ease anxiety about the visit. Your companion can step in if a distraction is needed during the procedure, and you can help each other stay calm and relaxed before, during, and after the appointment.

Bring distractions to keep yourself occupied

Distractions are helpful in keeping your mind off of your dental visit. There are a variety of things that you can do to bring a distraction. Read a book, listen to music, watch a movie, or play video games. You can also bring your phone/tablet and play games on it or take photos of your office tour to post on social media later. 

To learn more, schedule an appointment today at J. Russell Danner, DDS in Oklahoma City, by calling 405-749-1676.