Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects many people, often leading to avoidance of necessary dental care.
However, open communication between patients and dentists is essential for overcoming dental anxiety and receiving the care needed to maintain oral health.
So how can you discuss your dental anxiety with your dentist, allowing for a more comfortable and positive dental experience? We have some tips for you below.
Be Honest and Open
The first step in addressing dental anxiety is acknowledging and communicating your feelings with your dentist [1]. Remember that dental professionals are trained to understand and help patients who experience anxiety around dental care.
Be open about your fears, concerns, and past negative experiences. By honestly sharing your concerns and feelings, your dental team can provide appropriate support and tailor the treatment to your needs.
Discuss Specific Triggers
Identify and discuss specific triggers that intensify your dental anxiety with your dentist. These could include the sound of drills, needles, or the feeling of being trapped in the dental chair.
By understanding your triggers and communicating them to your dentist, your oral healthcare professional can take steps to minimize or eliminate them, offering alternative techniques or tools to address your concerns [2].
Establish Effective Communication Signals
Work with your dentist to establish clear signals that indicate when you need a break during a dental procedure. This can be as simple as a hand signal to alert the dentist if you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed so they can stop treatment and you can take a break.
Agreeing on such signals in advance can empower you to take control of your dental experience and alleviate anxiety during treatment. This way, you are in charge of how long the appointment continues and when you’d like to stop.
Ask About Relaxation Techniques
Many dental practices offer relaxation techniques to help anxious patients feel more at ease during their appointment. These may involve deep breathing exercises, listening to calming music, or watching a TV show during treatment [3].
Ask if your dentist provides such amenities and explore which methods might work best for you. For example, they may offer a TV show, but you might prefer to listen to your own music or a podcast. Ask if it’s ok to bring your own device for use during the treatment.
Explore Sedation Options
If your anxiety is more severe, consider discussing sedation dentistry options with your dentist. Sedation dentistry is widely available and is designed specifically to support patients who feel more anxious at the dentist [4].
Sedation can range from minimal doses of oral sedatives to intravenous sedation administered by an anesthesiologist. Your dentist will explain the available options and help you choose the best level of sedation based on your comfort level and the complexity and length of the procedure.
Build Trust and Establish a Relationship
Developing trust between you and your dentist is crucial in overcoming dental anxiety. Choose a dentist who understands your concerns, listens attentively, and provides compassionate care.
If you feel the dentist minimizes your feelings or doesn’t understand, consider seeking care elsewhere. Building a positive relationship with your dentist will help alleviate anxiety and ensure your dental needs are met. You should have confidence in your dental professional and their ability to understand and accommodate your needs.
You Don’t Have to Skip Dental Care Because of Anxiety
By working with the right dentist and being open about your concerns, it is possible to manage and even overcome dental anxiety and ensure a comfortable and stress-free dental experience.
Remember, your oral health is important, and with the right support, you can stay in control and maintain a healthy smile—you don’t have to skip dental care because of your anxiety!
Sources:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drills-needles-and-pain-oh-my-coping-with-
dental-anxiety-2019121818475
2. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/12/23523. https://www.ada.org/en/publications/new-dentist-news/2022/february/5-tips-to-
reduce-anxiety-and-stress-in-dentists-patients-during-their-visit
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6327823/
