How To Ease Your Dental Fear?

Dental anxiety is the fear of receiving dental care. Dental anxiety is universal and affects people of all ages. It can start during childhood and continue into adulthood.

What Causes The Dental Fear?

There are a variety of different reasons why people develop fears and anxiety about visiting the dentist, but the most common is fear of pain, embarrassment, or loss of control. If you have dental fear, here are a few tips to relieve it:

• Practice relaxation techniques

Deep breathing helps relax your body by lowering your heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and relaxing your muscles. Try taking deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth as you try to relax and focus on your breathing. People often find that counting slowly as they breathe in and out can help as well.

• Get enough sleep the night before your appointment

The main reason why people experience gag reflexes or discomfort during treatment is that they are exhausted, and their bodies and mind are tired. If you are getting enough rest the night before your treatment, then your body will be prepared, and your mind will be at ease. Plus, if you get a good night’s sleep, you will be less irritable, and you will feel better overall. Before your next dental appointment, try your best to get at least eight hours of sleep a night. This can help prepare your body for your appointment at John Blake Dentistry.

• Communicate with your dentist about your anxiety

Be sure to tell your dentist about any anxieties you have about going to the dentist or about the procedures that will be needed during your visit. If you’ve had a negative experience in the past at a dentist’s office, let him or her know right away. Communication is key when it comes to easing your dental fear.

• Ask for a break if you need one

Sometimes, during a procedure, patients experience a level of anxiety that makes it difficult to continue without taking a short break. The best thing you can do to maintain your comfort is to let your oral healthcare team know from the get-go if you feel like you need a break from a procedure or feel too nervous about going through with it. It’s better to speak up now than to get halfway through and regret your decision.

It’s also important that you explain to your dentist exactly why you are feeling uncomfortable. Maybe you’ve experienced a painful procedure in the past and are nervous about experiencing it again...or maybe you’re just scared of the dentist in general. Whatever the case may be, your dental team will work hard to accommodate you and make your experience as stress-free and comfortable as possible. (Make sure to request a topical numbing agent!)

How Our Dentists Can Help?

The way we treat our patients is meant to alleviate these fears as much as possible. From our use of technology to our empathy and thoroughness, our dentists work hard to make sure patients feel comfortable and safe in our care.

Among the ways we help to ease patient anxieties is by taking the time to explain treatment beforehand. This includes going over the procedure, discussing the tools and medications to be used, and answering any questions the patient may have. In some cases, we even offer sedation dentistry to help patients feel more relaxed during treatment. Our caring and compassionate staff also works hard to put patients at ease using methods like warm blankets, pillows, and bottled water.

By getting to know you and making sure you’re comfortable at all times, we’ll do our best to help you feel good about seeing the dentist. 

We Offer Sedation Dentistry

Dental visits can cause heightened anxiety in some patients, but sedation dentistry can help you feel calm and relaxed throughout your treatment. We also offer three levels of sedation service at our dental office: Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation.

• During your appointment, we will administer nitrous oxide gas in the form of a mask placed over your nose. The gas allows you to inhale the sedative and feel the effects within minutes. The effects wear off quickly after your appointment, allowing you to return home safely on your own. Oral Conscious Sedation
• For patients with higher levels of anxiety and fear, we offer oral conscious sedation. Patients take a sedative pill an hour before the procedure to allow time for their system to absorb the medication. After an hour, they can arrive at our office and undergo their procedure with comfort. The effects of the sedative may be felt for up to 24 hours after the treatment. IV Sedation
• Patients with extreme anxiety or fear of the dentist may benefit from IV sedation. Throughout the appointment, patients remain awake and aware, but they are deeply relaxed and focused on the sights, smells, and sounds of the office. Since patients have little to no memory of their experience, we recommend this for patients with severe dental fears.

To learn more, call us at (833) 394-7366 and book an appointment with our dentist at 287 E. Hunt Hwy. #101, San Tan Valley, AZ 85143.