Dental Anxiety: Overcoming Your Fear
Dr Apsey of Warren Michigan wants you to know that there is no reason to be afraid of his dental services. Fear of the dentist, or dental anxiety, ranks right up there with public speaking in terms of commonality. Many people report a feeling of dread, fear, or simple nervousness when approaching the dentist’s office.
This is a problem when the fear becomes overwhelming to the point where it prevents people from visiting a dentist and maintaining the health of their teeth. The key to good dental health is largely heading off problems before they arise, rather than waiting until your oral health is bad. Regular care will lessen problems like tooth decay and gum disease. If anxiety is keeping you out of the dentist’s office or reducing the frequency with which you make appointments, then read on.
1. Connecting with Your Dentist is Important
Having a good relationship with your dentist is probably the single most important factor to reducing dental related anxiety. Does your dentist take the time to listen to you? Is their technique gentle? Do you feel at home in their office? Do they make you feel as if you’re in control? If the answer to any of these questions is no, it may be time to look for a new dentist. Having a discussion explaining your fears is worthwhile as well. Dentists are quite used to this problem, but they are not mind readers. If they are aware of your concerns they are more likely to be sensitive to your anxieties.
2. Find Ways to Relax
Anticipation is often half the problem, but during the appointment itself there are a number of strategies you can use. Keep yourself distracted while in the dentist’s chair. Throw on Spotify or iTunes and zone out, or find a dentist with a TV that you can focus on. If this isn’t working for you, try relaxation techniques. Some of these include controlled breathing exercises — taking a big breath, holding it, and letting it out very slowly, like you are a leaky balloon. This will slow your heart rate and relax your muscles.
3. Choose the Motivation that Works for You
If none of the above is working for you, consider coupling your dentist appointments with some sort of reward. Afterward, treat yourself to a lunch date with a friend. Your fear of the dentist likely stems from a negative experience. Associating the dentist with positive stimulus can work to break the conditioning that causes a negative response. And, if all else fails there are always sedatives. Review with your dentist which sedatives are available or appropriate. Options include local anesthetic, nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), and oral sedatives.
Dental anxiety is common and the average dental environment is full of possible stimuli- sounds, smells, sights – that can induce stress. For many patients, it can be trial and error discovering how to cope with fear of the dentist, but more likely than not your fear will fade over time.
Contact Warren Dentist, Dr Apsey at Smile Brightly
If you live in the greater Detroit area and are looking for a Warren dental office, come visit Dr. Apsey and the dental team at Smile Brightly. We will take care of you and will show you that you have nothing to be afraid of.
Call: 586-573-7700