Overcoming Dental Anxiety

If you have ever put off going to the dentist because of fear, you’re in the right place. Dental anxiety is very common and should be taken seriously, as should any other form of anxiety. After all, some people suffer such debilitating dental anxiety that they can’t even call their dental practice to book the appointment, let alone actually make it through the treatment.

The good news is that the majority of dental experts will go above and beyond to make sure that you feel comfortable when receiving dental treatments, no matter how simple and stress-free the procedure may seem. Regardless of this, t’s understandable that you will feel fearful in the lead-up to the appointment, here are some strategies to help you to get through it.

Get to the source of your fear

What is it about going to your local dentist that makes you nervous? If you can locate the source of your anxiety, you might be able to overcome it. Some people can’t deal with it because of past trauma, others struggle because of self-esteem issues or insecurity about their dental health. Nowadays there are ways to overcome this, with the help of things such as sleep dentistry or even cognitive behavioural therapy that is focused on this specific fear.

Keep a positive outlook

While this advice sometimes seems futile, it is certainly something that you should try to bear in mind. If your fear of the dentist is caused by a negative past experience, try to rationalise this by reassuring yourself that the odds of it happening again are extremely low. Plus, it may be an entirely different dentist treating you this time - someone you can allow yourself to trust more than whoever caused the past issue.

It can also help to take a close friend or family member with you for support. They will be able to remind you of these rational, positive thoughts in the moment and reassure you that it will all be okay, so long as you remain strong enough to get through the procedure.

Tell the dentist

You are not the first - and you certainly won’t be the last - to tell your dentists that you are afraid. There’s nothing wrong with being anxious and, in fact, telling your dentist may even help the situation. Not only will they be able to provide support and reassurance, but they may also be able to take certain steps to set your mind at ease, such as talking you through the process or distracting you from what’s going on.

Embrace distractions

Music can be a wonderful distraction if you’re anxious, so it’s always worth asking the dentist whether it’s okay for you to put headphones on or turn the radio on. This will allow your mind to go elsewhere so that you’re not focusing on the procedure. It can also be beneficial to listen to music or a podcast on your way to the dental practice, so that you don’t spend this time dwelling on your treatment and entering a vicious cycle of fear and negative thoughts.

Alternatively, you could ask your dentist, the dental nurse, or your friend or family member (if you’ve brought them with you) to talk to you whilst you’re undergoing treatment. This will give you something interesting to listen to instead of focusing on your discomfort and fear.

If you’re in need of dental treatment, you needn’t fear visiting us here at Acorn Dental Health. All of our dental experts will go above and beyond to help you feel comfortable during treatment and overcome your fear of the dentist. Whether you need a check-up or a slightly more complex procedure, contact us today to discuss your treatment plan and get your appointment booked in.