Dental anxiety is a real condition shared by many people. Some people even have an extreme phobia of dentists referred to as dentophobia or odontophobia. If you get nervous just considering booking a dental appointment, you are not alone. As common as dental anxiety is, it must be dealt with because not going to your dentist increases your risk for both oral and overall health problems. People with dental anxiety are more likely to skip routine checkups and are more likely to let existing issues worsen to an extreme point. Dealing with dental issues means protecting your teeth and your health.
Discuss. Discuss. Discuss.
Your dentist wants to help you feel comfortable during treatment and checkups. If you feel nervous, let your dentist or someone on the office staff know that you feel uncomfortable. You may have a particular thing that worries you, such as needles, pain, payment, or you are just embarrassed about how long it has been since your last visit. These specific concerns can be addressed, but only if you tell somebody. If you cannot pinpoint the reason for your anxiety, its okay to just say that you are nervous.
Distract Your Mind
Fidget spinners are all the rage right now. They may be able to help you distract yourself from your own thoughts during treatment. Headphones with your favorite music or television show may also help. You can even spend your thoughts in a particular happy place; drift away to a tropical vacation in your mind. You can even try counting your breaths or taking inventory of your body. These types of mindfulness techniques can help relax you before and during treatment.
Sedative Options
If you are unable to ease your dental anxiety, your dentist may offer sedative options, such as nitrous oxide or oral sedatives. These options will relax you, while keeping you awake and conscious. Sedation allows you to comfortably get the treatment that you need. Talk to your dentist if you feel like you may need some type of sedation.
Dental anxiety can be overcome
Don’t let your dental anxiety keep you from important treatment. To schedule a consultation with Austin Prosthodontics in Austin, TX, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.
