Helpful Tips To Ease Dental Fear

Dental fear or anxiety is common among many people. This fear can keep people from seeking dental treatment, even if they have a dental problem. If you have dental anxiety, here are a few helpful tips.

Speak up about your fears

If you’re nervous and afraid, it’s important to communicate those fears and anxieties to your dentist. Dentists are experts in calming patients and helping them relax throughout procedures. So be open with your dentist about your fear of pain or any other common concerns, and they’ll be able to walk you through each step of the process to ease your nerves before the procedure begins.

Once you’ve communicated your concerns, you should discuss your oral health goals with your dentist. They can help you understand why the procedure is necessary and how it can improve your dental health in the long run. Additionally, you should also have an honest discussion about the risks and benefits of the treatment. This way, you can feel confident that you’re making an educated decision that’s best for you and your smile.

Agree on a signal

If you worry about feeling pain during your appointment, you can agree on a signal for the dentist to understand that you need help or a break. 

Take a trusted person with you

Sometimes having an extra set of hands to hold can be beneficial when undergoing dental work. Your trusted companion can hold a hand so that you can feel relaxed and at ease during your dental visits.

Bring distractions

It’s also helpful to bring a distraction along with you on the day of your appointment. If your thoughts continue to focus on your upcoming procedure, it’s very likely that you’ll experience more stress and discomfort than necessary. Bringing a mobile device or book to read is a great way to divert your attention from the upcoming appointment and ease your mind. 

Ask for sedation

And if you’re worried about feeling uncomfortable during a lengthier procedure, consider asking your dentist about the possibility of using sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel relaxed during invasive dental procedures. It can help fearful patients feel more at ease throughout their dental work. For example, nitrous oxide analgesia treatment, also known as laughing gas, can make you feel at ease, while a local anesthetic injection in your jaw muscle can help relieve discomfort during a specific procedure. If you’re interested in learning more about sedation dentistry, talk to your dentist about the option before the treatment.

To learn more, visit Dental Health PC at 869 NW 23rd Street, Corvallis, OR 97330. Call us at (541) 757 1829 to book an appointment. We will be happy to help you further.