Dental Anxiety Treatment: Understanding Your Options

Millions of Americans avoid appointments with the dentist due to dental anxiety. Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist increases the risk of developing oral health problems such as gum disease and premature tooth loss. Dental anxiety can range from mild to severe, leaving some people panicked at the idea of sitting in the dental chair. Fortunately, dental anxiety can be treated.

Dental anxiety: Treatment options

For some patients, the anxiety that causes them to avoid the dentist can have adverse emotional consequences. Avoiding the dentist causes the dental condition to worsen, making the patient self-conscious and insecure. Therefore, they may smile less and even try to cover their teeth when speaking. The embarrassment can affect their personal and professional lives, and their self-esteem may take a hit.

Caring and communication

For those with dental anxiety, empathy and understanding are helpful. The dentist will create time to listen to their fears and concerns so they can feel welcome and comfortable. The patient will benefit from open, honest communication. During the conversation, the dentist will try to normalize the anxiety and avoid negative statements. Also, patients will be encouraged to ask questions, and the dentist will provide updates throughout the treatment.

Control and distraction

Most times, giving patients with dental anxiety the chance to make their appointment is a good choice. The dentist may even allow fearful patients to handle the saliva suction so they can control when they have to expectorate. The patient will also be able to signify when they need a break: Simple hand gestures can help patients control the pace of the procedure.

Distraction is another method dentists use to calm their patients. Calming, engaging music in the dental office is helpful and patients can be encouraged to bring headphones and playlists.

Pharmacological options

Dentists can induce relaxation in an anxious patient by using nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, provided via inhalation with a mask worn over the nose. The patient will breathe in a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide. This option is safe and wears off soon after the mask is taken off. Patients can drive themselves home after the procedure.

Another option is to use pills, usually Halcion, which is similar to Valium. The patient will use the pill an hour before the treatment. It will make them drowsy, and although they may fall asleep, the patient can be awakened easily.

Physical relaxation techniques

The dentist can make a patient relax physically and mentally to alleviate dental anxiety. Good breathing techniques are an excellent way to promote physical relaxation. They can ensure muscle relaxation concurrently by tensing a certain set of muscles when inhaling and relaxing them when exhaling.

Final note

Dental anxiety can be detrimental to a patient’s oral health. Clear communication has always been effective for alleviating patient’s fears, as well as pharmacological, mental or physical techniques. If you are afraid of the dentist or undergoing dental procedures, contact the dentist to discuss your options.

Request an appointment here: https://beniciadentist.com or call Southampton Dental Care at (707) 887-5075 for an appointment in our Benicia office.

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