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Dental fears are common. Unfortunately, many people avoid going to the dentist because of fear. However, dental issues don’t go away on their own. You need to visit a dentist regularly to maintain good oral health.

Discuss your dental fears with your dentist

We all experience some level of anxiety when it comes to visiting a dentist’s office. It’s completely normal, and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or ashamed to confide in your dentist about your worries. Your dentist is a trained professional and should be able to calm you down if you communicate your concerns. They will then work with you to determine the best method of treatment that you are comfortable with. Some patients need nothing more than verbal assurance from their dentist, while others may benefit from topical anesthetics applied to the gums before a procedure begins. 

Agree on a signal with your dentist

Talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns. A reliable dentist will try their best to make you comfortable during the treatment. They will ask you about any discomfort you are feeling and ask you to tell them if you do feel any pain during the process. The dentist will also give you options to reduce the pain or anxiety you feel. For example, you can ask for a topical anesthetic if you are feeling nervous before the treatment begins. Also, you can agree upon a signal to let your dental surgeon know if you experience pain during treatment. This will let your dentist pause the procedure until the reason for the signaling is addressed.

Consider distractions

Having a trusted person around is a great way to ease your nerves. Be sure to choose someone who’s calm and doesn’t mind waiting in the waiting room. A friend or family member can also help you relax by giving you a massage or using other calming techniques. It’s also a good idea to bring a distraction, such as a book, magazine, or music player. You can also bring headphones so you can listen to music during your procedure. 

Distracting yourself before and during a procedure will help you focus on something other than the procedure. Some options to consider include using music or taking breaks for a beverage or snack. Your dentist may also offer special distraction methods to help you feel more comfortable. For example, they may offer a handheld device that you can play during treatment to block out sounds or allow you to watch videos. Be sure to let your dentist know your preferences ahead of time so they can prepare accordingly and make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during your procedure.

Asl for sedation dentistry

If you’re feeling especially anxious about a particular treatment or type of procedure, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. Sedation can help you feel more relaxed before and during your appointment. Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is also a common practice because it numbs the nerves in the mouth without putting the patient to sleep.

Schedule a visit with our team at the office of Healing Wings Dental at 4101 West Green Oaks Blvd Suite 317, Arlington 76016, or call (972) 213-0202. We look forward to hearing from you soon!