If you have dental anxiety, you aren’t alone. This is actually a very common issue. Nearly 75% of adults in the United States claim to have some level of stress or anxiety when visiting the dentist. About 10% of those people have a fear that is strong enough to be considered dental phobia. The good news is that with modern dental technology and innovations, having a fear of the dental office doesn’t need to keep you from getting the essential oral healthcare that you need. Continue reading to learn more about dental phobia, the causes, and what your dentist can do to help.
What Are the Symptoms of Dental Phobia?
Everyone’s body reacts differently to stressful situations. Here are some of the common symptoms of dental phobia that many people experience:
- Sweating
- Tachycardia or heart palpitations
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Visual signs of panic
What Are the Causes of Dental Phobia?
Dental phobia can be caused by a variety of different things. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
- Traumatic past experience at the dentist
- Previous head or neck trauma
- Fear of loss of control
- Trust issues
- Generalized anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety associated with other conditions (such as claustrophobia or agoraphobia)
How Do You Manage Dental Anxiety?
Relieving dental anxiety is easier said than done, but here are some techniques that many patients have found helpful:
- Breathing: It sounds silly, but many people forget to breathe when they are in a stressful situation. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths.
- Distraction: Ask your dentist if you can listen to music using your headphones during your appointment.
- Choose a good time: Having a dental appointment in the middle of a busy day could just add to your stress. Try to choose a time where you won’t feel rushed.
- Talk to your dentist: If there is anything that your dental team can do to help you feel more relaxed, let them know. They want to know if you have dental anxiety so that they can help give you the best, most relaxing experience possible.
How Can Sedation Dentistry Help?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of sedative drugs provided by a dentist in order to help relieve patients’ anxiety. Here are some common options:
- Nitrous Oxide: You probably know nitrous oxide as ‘laughing gas.’ Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask. This offers the patient a euphoric state of relaxation. This is great for people with mild dental anxiety. You can even drive yourself home!
- Oral Conscious Sedation: About an hour before your appointment, you take a pill that is prescribed to you by your dentist. By the time you visit the dentist, you will be perfectly relaxed. You will be awake and able to respond to the team but may not remember details about the appointment.
Dental anxiety doesn’t need to prevent you from getting the dental care that you need. By using some of the techniques listed above and talking to your dental team, you may just find a solution that works for you!
About the Practice
At Advanced Smile Design, you have not just one, but two dentists providing quality care to patients in the Willow Grove area. Dr. Krunal Patel attended Pacific Dental College & Hospital in India before moving to the USA and earning his dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Barry Isdaner has been practicing in the field for over 45 years so far. If you have dental phobia, they would be happy to work with you to help you feel comfortable in the dental chair. For more information on preventing dental emergencies or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (215) 659-3334.
