Coping with Dental Anxiety

Are you terrified at the thought of going to the dentist? If so, then you are like 15% of all people who visit the dentist. Being afraid of the dentist can keep you from scheduling much-needed appointments for your oral health. Instead of letting fear stop you from ever seeing the dentist, learn how to navigate coping with dental anxiety instead.

Your friendly dentist in Anaheim can help you find the best coping methods and strategies to keep you feeling comfortable during your dental visits. The dentist’s office is a place where you can do what’s best for your teeth and mouth, and there is nothing to be afraid of. Try out some of these tips to reduce your fears!

Bring Friendly Support

You can always bring a loved one with you to the dentist during your next appointment. There is no reason to go through something that scares you alone. Bring someone whose presence can help you feel safe, supported, and grounded. They can also help distract you in case a shift of focus helps to ease your fears.

Ask Lots of Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist and all dental staff any questions you might have about your visit. The more answers you get, the more comfortable you will feel about being there. Sometimes, not knowing the outcome of treatment is the scariest part of the dental process.

Know the Symptoms

What exactly is dental anxiety? How can you learn to understand, cope with, and avoid dental anxiety symptoms? Everyone gets a little uncomfortable at the dentist, but some people have more serious fears than others. Symptoms of dental anxiety can include:

Aggressive behavior
Crying
Lots of sweating
Panic attacks
Heart palpitations
Feeling like you’re going to faint

Understanding the symptoms can also make it easier for you to get treatment. Don’t worry about speaking to your dentist about dental anxiety; we understand and we are here to help you!

Try Sedation Dentistry

If you are too afraid of being entirely awake during your dental procedure, you might be a good candidate for Anaheim sedation dentistry. This is for patients with deep-seated fears of the dentist, and there are a few different options available.

Oral and inhalation sedation allow you to ingest something that will make you feel sleepy, if not entirely unconscious, throughout the duration of your dental procedure. You can also invest in IV sedation which will allow you to be unconscious for the procedure, or general anesthesia for more severe treatment needs.

Take Breaks

It is always okay to let your dentist know when you need a break. If you are in the middle of the procedure and you are starting to feel overwhelmed, you can raise your hand or use another signal to let the dentist know that you need a break before they proceed.

Take a Deep Breath

Invest in nerve-calming exercises that you can do at any time and in any place. Breathing exercises can ground you and help your body establish a calm state. You can also bring relaxing music or peaceful sounds with you to the dentist’s office to help you maintain good peace of mind even when facing your fears.

Find Safe and Supportive Dentistry Options Today

At My Dentist Anaheim, we understand that some people have a huge fear of going to the dentist. We offer many ways of respecting your fears and your boundaries through sedation dentistry options. Bring a friend with you and chat with us about different sedation treatments available to you. You don’t have to go through this scary process alone; by practicing some coping tips, you will be able to find comfort in taking care of your oral health. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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