Dental Anxiety and Fear

Understanding Dental Anxiety and Fear and How to Overcome It

At Milestone Dentistry and Facial Aesthetics, we believe that everyone deserves access to top-notch dental care, regardless of their anxiety levels. We understand that dental phobia can be a real barrier to getting the treatment you need, and we’re here to help you overcome it. Our mission is to create an atmosphere of calm and comfort in our office, so you can feel relaxed and confident during your visits with us.

Understanding Dental Anxiety and Fear

The fear of dental appointments is a common cause of anxiety among many people. Many individuals visualize a dentist as a drill-wielding person in a white coat, waiting to cause pain and remove teeth. However, the reality is far different. A good dental practice prioritizes the comfort, relaxation, and happiness of the patient.

There are several common dental fears that can prevent individuals from seeking dental care, including fear of embarrassment about the condition of their teeth, fear of gagging, fear of injections, fear of loss of control, fear of not becoming numb when injected with Novocain, fear of pain, fear of the dentist as a person, and fear of the handpiece (or the drill).

How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety and fear can be overwhelming, and it is estimated that as many as 36 million people do not visit the dentist because of their fears. However, receiving regular dental check-ups and cleanings is crucial for maintaining excellent oral hygiene and reducing the need for more complex treatments.

Here are some tips that can help reduce dental fear and anxiety:

Talk to Us

Communication is key when it comes to reducing dental anxiety and fear. Our staff cannot read your mind, so it is essential to communicate your fears and anxiety with us. We can take extra precautions during your visits to help alleviate your fears and make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Bring a Portable Music Player

Music acts as a relaxant and can help to drown out any fear-producing noises. Listening to calming music throughout your appointment can help reduce anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable.

Agree on a Signal

Many people are afraid that the dentist will not know they are in significant pain during the appointment and will continue with the procedure regardless. The best way to solve this problem is to agree on a “stop” hand signal. This way, both parties can easily understand signals like raising their hands or tapping on the chair.

Spray the Throat

Throat sprays like Vicks® Chloraseptic® Throat Spray can help control the gag reflex. Two or three sprays will usually keep the reflex under control for about an hour.

Take a Mirror

Not being able to see what is happening can increase anxiety and make the imagination run wild. Watching the procedure can help keep reality at the forefront of the mind and reduce anxiety.

Sedation

If there is no other way to cope, sedation can offer an excellent option for many people. There are several types of sedation available, but the general premise behind them is the same: the patient regains their faculties after treatment is complete.

Ask About Alternatives

Advances in technology mean that dental microsurgery is now an option. Lasers can be used to prepare teeth for fillings, whiten teeth, and remove staining. Discuss all the options with us and decide on one that is effective and produces minimal anxiety.

Let Milestone Dentistry and Facial Aesthetics Help You Overcome Dental Anxiety and Fear

Are you one of the millions of people who feel anxious about visiting the dentist? Milestone Dentistry and Facial Aesthetics understands that dental anxiety and fear can be overwhelming. That’s why our practice prioritizes your comfort, relaxation, and happiness. Our team is dedicated to helping you overcome your dental anxiety and fear, and we offer a variety of techniques and treatments to make your experience as painless and stress-free as possible.