Tips To Ease Dental Fear

Many people avoid going to the dentist because of dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is an intense fear of seeing the dentist. Dental anxiety prevents people from receiving the dental care they need and puts them at risk for oral health problems. If you are someone with dental anxiety, here are a few helpful tips for you.

Speak up about your fears

Fear of the dentist is common – and normal! Many people put off dental treatment for years due to fear. That can lead to more problems and costly procedures down the road. Your dentist can understand your anxiety.Don’t be afraid to tell him or her about it or ask questions about the care you need. If you’re concerned about pain, talk about that too. Sometimes a little numbing cream can help ease discomfort.

Agree on a signal

If you start to feel anxious in the dentist’s chair, you should let your dentist know right away. It’s important to let the dentist know how you are feeling, so he or she can focus on helping you stay calm and comfortable. Your dentist will likely have a number of tools to help you relax during your appointment. It can be helpful to agree upon a signal in advance that will let your dentist know that you need a break or that you are in pain. This signal could be raising a hand, tapping the table, or anything else that works for you and your dentist.

By agreeing on this signal ahead of time, you can be confident that your dentist will hear you when you need to take a break from the procedure. 

Bring distractions

Distractions are often helpful during dental procedures because they can help you stay relaxed and calm during the appointment. There are a few options for distractions that are available for you to take to the dental office and use while you are there. Music or podcasts are a great place to go. These distractions can keep your thoughts far away from your procedure and allow you to relax.

Sometimes other distractions can be helpful as well, such as bringing someone along with you. Having a friend or family member accompany you to your appointment can be comforting as well as distracting. It can give you a chance to talk about something else. This may be just what you need to keep your mind off of the procedures at hand.

Consider sedation dentistry

If you experience regular anxiety at the thought of going to the dentist or undergoing dental treatments, you may be a good candidate for oral conscious sedation. This form of sedation involves taking a small pill orally before your appointment to calm your nerves and make you feel relaxed during treatment. Sedation Dentistry reduces stress at the dentist’s office and provides a comfortable and anxiety-free environment. The sedative effects typically wear off within a few hours after the procedure is complete, so you can safely drive yourself to and from your appointments. Your dental care team will discuss all of your options with you to determine what works best for you! If you’re interested in finding out more about our sedation services, ask your dentist during your next visit with us. We are always happy to answer questions and provide more information to our patients.

For booking and other queries, contact Dentist San Jose, CA, at (408) 901-0101 or varnidental@gmail.com. Your comfort and smile matter to us, so schedule your appointment soon. Visit our clinic at 181 E Tasman Dr. Suite 60, San Jose, CA 95134, with your family.