Tips To Stay Calm During Dental Procedures

POSTED BY VARNI DENTAL ON JUL 19 2022, 10:44 PM

Dental anxiety is a very real thing that affects many adults. Dental anxiety affects nearly 75% of the adult population. This can lead to avoiding the dentist and neglecting your oral health. In fact, according to the ADA, 9 out of 10 adults don’t visit the dentist as often as they should. For some, anxiety can stem from a fear of pain and discomfort, but for others, it’s the fear of the unknown and unfamiliar.

Dental anxiety is often caused by past negative experiences during dental appointments. If you’ve experienced pain and stress during a dental procedure, it’s natural to feel anxious during future appointments at your general dentist.

Symptoms of Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can manifest in various ways, often making it difficult for individuals to seek necessary dental care. Common symptoms include:

• Excessive sweating
• Rapid heartbeat
• Feeling faint or lightheaded
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Intense worry or fear at the thought of visiting the dentist
• Difficulty sleeping the night before a dental appointment
• Panic attacks in the dental office

These symptoms can range from mild to severe, impacting a person's ability to undergo routine dental procedures.

Causes of Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can stem from multiple sources, including:

• Previous Negative Experiences: Traumatic or painful dental visits in the past.
• Fear of Pain: Concern that dental procedures will be painful.
• Loss of Control: Feeling helpless or out of control while sitting in the dental chair.
• Embarrassment: Self-consciousness about the condition of one’s teeth or fear of judgment from the dentist.
• Negative Stories: Hearing about others’ bad dental experiences.
• Sensitivity to Dental Equipment: Discomfort with the sounds, smells, and sensations associated with dental tools.

Understanding the root cause of dental anxiety is crucial in addressing and managing it effectively.

Who Can Be Affected by Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. However, certain groups may be more prone to experiencing it:

• Children: Often fearful due to the unfamiliar environment and procedures.
• Adults with Past Trauma: Those who have had negative dental experiences in childhood or adulthood.
• Individuals with General Anxiety Disorders: People who are generally anxious may find dental visits particularly stressful.
• Elderly Patients: Older adults who may have had less advanced dental care techniques in the past.
• Patients with Special Needs: Individuals who require special accommodations may experience higher anxiety levels.

How to Overcome Dental Anxiety or Dental Phobia

Overcoming dental anxiety is possible with the right strategies and support:

• Communicate with Your Dentist: Discuss your fears openly with your dentist. They can tailor the treatment to reduce anxiety.
• Bring a Friend or Family Member: Having a trusted person with you can provide comfort and reassurance.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to calming music can help manage anxiety.
• Use Sedation Dentistry: Options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, or IV sedation can help you relax during procedures.
• Gradual Exposure: Start with simple, non-invasive visits to build trust and familiarity with the dental environment.
• Professional Help: Seek help from a therapist or counselor specializing in anxiety management.

How Varni Dental Helps You

At Varni Dental, we understand that dental anxiety is a common and significant concern for many patients. Our dentist and team are dedicated to providing a calming and supportive environment to ease your fears and ensure a positive dental experience. Here’s how we help:

• Personalized Care: We take the time to listen to your concerns and tailor our approach to meet your specific needs.
• Comfortable Environment: Our office is designed to be welcoming and stress-free, with amenities to help you relax.
• Advanced Sedation Options: We offer various sedation methods to ensure your comfort during treatments, from mild sedation to deeper levels of relaxation.
• Experienced Team: Our compassionate and skilled dental professionals are trained to handle dental anxiety with care and understanding.
• Open Communication: We keep you informed about every step of your treatment, ensuring you feel in control and at ease.
• Follow-Up Care: We provide thorough aftercare instructions and support to ensure your ongoing comfort and confidence.

At Varni Dental, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. We are committed to helping you overcome dental anxiety so you can achieve and maintain optimal oral health without fear.

Tips To Ease Your Fear of Dentist

If you find yourself avoiding the dentist due to anxiety, there are several things that can be done to help. Here are they:

Understand the procedure

Your dentist in San Jose, CA, will explain each step of your procedure so you know exactly what to expect. Knowing what to expect and what your dentist is doing can help you feel calm, relaxed, and in control.

Listen to music

Listening to music is a great way to stay relaxed during a dental procedure. Choose music that soothes you or makes you feel good. Listening to your favorite song can also take your mind off of your procedure and make you feel more at ease.

Ask for a numbing injection

You’re less likely to get anxious or uncomfortable when you receive dental sedation. One of the best things you can do to stay calm is to request dental sedation. We offer oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation to help our patients have a comfortable dental experience. Sedation dentistry allows you to tolerate a procedure without pain or fear while being awake and able to respond to the dentist in San Jose CA.

Bring a friend for support

If you are nervous, bring someone you trust with you. They can sit in the dental chair and hold your hand or give you a neck or back massage to help you relax.

Take a deep breath

Your dentist knows you are nervous about your appointment, and that’s why they want you to be as relaxed as possible. They’ll do everything they can to help put you at ease, including recommending you take deep breaths whenever you feel tense. This can help your body’s relaxation response kick in, which should help you feel calmer and more relaxed. Call us now.

Avoid caffeine and nicotine

Staying calm during a dental procedure may seem impossible, but it is possible. Avoiding caffeine and nicotine are two very effective ways to stay composed during your appointment. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rates. Nicotine is a stimulant, as well, and can increase heart rate and blood pressure when inhaled.

Talk with your dentist

Even if you think you’re being calm, it can be helpful to tell your dentist if you are feeling tense. They may be able to adjust the situation to make you more comfortable. For example, if you are feeling nervous about a shot, they might give you a topical numbing cream or spray.