Dental Anxiety
By: Elle Campbell –Extended Functions Dental Assistant
Most people don’t really like going to the dentist, but for some people, just the thought of going to the dentist can bring on panic attacks and anxiety so bad that it prevents them from getting the treatment they vitally need. In fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults skipped the dentist in 2009.
Dental anxiety is actually fairly common and we see it a lot in our office. About 15% of people choose not to see the dentist due to fear, the majority of that percentage being older people who more than likely experienced dental care when technologies were not as advanced as today. Children today, have fewer negative experiences thanks to technology and anesthetic. The older the person is, the more likely they were to have procedures done when anesthesia was less effective, and when dentists were less focused on the comfort of the patient.
How to Overcome Dental Anxiety
Communicate with your dentist. – If you are an anxious patient, be sure to tell your dentist. They work hard to make you feel as comfortable as possible. If during a procedure you need the doctor to stop for any reason, it’s important to raise a hand and ask for a break.
Distractions- We offer our patient’s headphones and Ipods to listen to music during any procedure. This can be a great distraction method, and helps block out any noise that may be bothersome to you.
Consider Medication- For some patients, a sedative such as Halcion or nitrous oxide can help calm nerves during a dental procedure. Our most common form of sedation in our office is Halcion, and our patients love how relaxed they feel during the procedure.
Be aware that it could be the unknown that you fear, so be sure to ask all your questions before the procedure so you have a clearer understanding of what will be taking place. Getting regular dental care is vital to your oral and overall health, so it's well worth the effort!
