Easing dental anxiety

Its no secret that going to the dentist is generally not a person’s favourite thing to do. In fact, many people will avoid going to the dentist at the expense of their oral health, leaving conditions such as cavities and gum disease untreated until they progress to the point where they can no longer be ignored.

It’s probably fair to say that most people have experienced some anxiety in the dentist’s chair at least once in their lives. Even for the most laid-back person, it can be a bit uncomfortable having someone poke and prod in their mouths, even if it is beneficial and necessary. Some people might feel overwhelmed or distressed by a feeling of vulnerability while getting dental work done. Others may dislike the sounds of dental equipment such as drills, or the feeling of being ‘frozen’ from dental anesthetic.

For others still, their fear of going to the dentist can be paralysing. They may experience intense feelings of apprehension and panic attacks prior to dental visits, and even physical symptoms such as nausea can be brought on by this phobia of going to the dentist. Sometimes, this intense fear can stem from a past traumatic experience at the dentist. Other times, it can seemingly come from nowhere. Whatever the case may be, if you suffer from dental anxiety, know that at our office we will be very understanding and compassionate, and will work with you to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Avoiding going to the dentist is definitely not a great way to deal with your dental anxiety; it will only lead to more problems down the road which will require more invasive treatments, which will only serve to validate your believe that going to the dentist is not a fun experience.
By maintaining regular visits for routine procedures such as cleanings and exams will not only help to prevent things like cavities and gum disease, it will give your dentist an opportunity to catch an potential problems before they can progress.

If you require dental work and suffer from anxiety, there are a number of options available to help ease the experience for you. Sedation dentistry and oral anxiolytic medications are among the methods available to keep a patient calm during their treatment. Please feel free to speak with our friendly team before your appointment to bring up any questions or concerns you may have. We will explain and guide you through any procedures you may require, and will do all we can to help alleviate your anxiety.