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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Invisalign® is a teeth-straightening treatment that entails wearing sets of custom-made transparent aligners over the teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces that use wires and brackets, the aligners are removable, which means wearers can take them off when they want to eat or brush their teeth. Learn about these clear aligners and how they are used to…
An article by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare states that more than 18 million people wear partial dentures. Anyone who has been considering getting partials to improve their speech, ability to chew, and even their appearance is not alone. It helps to have the proper information beforehand, though. Partials are created from a wide variety of materials, each…
A smile makeover often leads to increased self-esteem and confidence. Having a radiant, healthy smile also gives you increased success during professional and personal interactions. People with great smiles are often perceived as attractive and successful, while those with unsightly smiles are sometimes viewed as unclean and unsuccessful. A smile makeover is a combination of…
Choosing dental implants is a great idea if you are looking into your tooth-replacement options because you are missing one or more of your teeth. This option is one that offers benefits that other replacement options do not, which is why so many patients are choosing implants to replace their missing teeth. Other replacement options…
Learn about these clear aligners and how they are used to straighten misalignment.
Partial dentures are available in a variety of materials and at several price points, making…
A smile makeover is a combination of treatments that are used to fix cosmetic problems…
Choosing dental implants is a great idea if you are looking into your tooth-replacement options…
Individuals suffering from damaged or unsightly teeth may benefit from receiving dental crowns.
General dentists understand everything there is to know about how to take care of your…