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How Calgary Dentists Can Help Overcome Your Dental Fears

A lot of people have anxiety about visiting the dentist. They might imagine a drill-wielding man in white coat, or they might have a painful memory from the past.

Dental anxiety (dentophobia) is a common challenge that prevents patients from getting the oral care they need. It also leads to poor health and self-esteem.

1. Make an Appointment

Many people feel apprehension about visiting the dentist, but this fear can be easily overcome. Dental anxiety is very common and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It can be caused by a traumatic past experience, the anticipation of pain during treatment, or the fear of needles or blood.

Regardless of the reason for your fears, it’s important to discuss them with your dentist so that they can make sure your appointment is as comfortable as possible. A good dentist will always put the comfort of their patients first and they will do whatever they can to make the process as smooth as possible.

Some of the best dentists in Calgary NE will even offer music to help distract you from any noise that might be causing you anxiety. Music is a great way to calm your nerves and it can also drown out any noises from the dental drill that might be making you nervous. You can even bring your own headphones if you would like some extra sound cancelling help during your treatment.

2. Talk to Your Dentist

Dental anxiety can be caused by a variety of things. People might be afraid of the sound of a drill, the needles used for numbing injections or seeing blood. Often, these fears stem from past traumatic experiences in childhood or negative interactions with dentists and dental staff. It's important to talk to your Dentist in Calgary about your fear, as they can often offer solutions and help you feel at ease.

It's a good idea to make a list of your fears so you can address them during the pre-appointment consultation. Your dentist should be willing to take the time you need to address your concerns and help you overcome them.

It's also important to pay attention to your dentist's demeanor. If they are impatient or unwilling to listen to your concerns, it may be a sign that the chemistry isn't right and you should look elsewhere for a dentist. A good dentist will want to work with you to overcome your dental fear and help you have healthy teeth. It's not worth putting your health at risk over fear.

3. Bring a Friend

For some, fear of the unknown is what keeps them away from their dental appointments. They don’t know what their teeth will look like after a cleaning or who their dentist is going to be, which can create anxiety before even walking through the clinic door.

Bringing along a friend who has gone to the dentist with you in the past can help reassure you and distract you during your procedure. They can also be there to help you communicate with your dentist and ask any questions you may have, which can reduce feelings of stress or confusion.

If you don’t have someone to bring with you, try listening to music or a podcast during your appointment. Listening to music can help reduce your heart rate, and it can also be a good way to occupy your mind during the procedure. You can also try using a calming breathing technique, such as taking four seconds to inhale and then seven seconds to exhale. This will help slow your heart rate and relax your body.

4. Take a Sedative

If a patient’s dental anxiety and fear are severe, they may need sedation in order to receive the necessary dental care. There are several different forms of sedation dentistry available, which can be tailored to the individual needs of each patient. These include nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” oral sedatives, and intravenous (IV) sedation.

Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask during treatment to help patients relax and feel more at ease while they are receiving their dental procedure. It can make patients drowsy, but they will still be awake and able to respond to questions from the dentist. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, so patients can resume their regular activities shortly after their appointment.

It is important that dentists communicate openly with their patients about their feelings of anxiety and fear. Psychological therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy, can be effective for mild to moderate dental anxiety, but patients with severe or extreme anxiety or phobia may require more medical management with anxiolytic medication, sedation, and conscious sedation or even general anaesthesia.

5. Ask Questions

Dental anxiety (also known as dentophobia) is a common and serious problem that prevents millions of Canadians from visiting their dentist. It is important to find a dentist that understands this challenge and takes extra steps to help patients overcome it.

There are many reasons why people feel anxious about the dentist, but fear of pain is one of the most common. This often stems from a traumatic past experience or from hearing negative stories about dental procedures from others.

Other causes of anxiety can include a fear of needles, the whine of dental drills, or even feelings of embarrassment over bad teeth or bleeding gums. Fortunately, there are many ways to combat these fears. Some of these tips include: keeping your mind occupied by doing other things during your appointment, wearing headphones and listening to music, and breathing exercises. Keeping up with good oral hygiene habits at home can also help to alleviate these concerns. Lastly, a good dentist should listen to a patient’s concerns and answer their questions to ease their fears.

-- Abdul Alim - 2023-10-15

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