How to beat dentist-chair dread

Some people carry the do-it-yourself concept a little too far. In a survey of more than 300 dentists, 70 percent reported treating patients who had attempted some sort of home solution before calling a professional. Among the fixes — Super Glue to fix broken crowns and dentures, emery boards to file down chipped teeth, and self-administered root canal procedures. All of this because of dental anxiety.

If you suffered through cavities, crowns, and caps growing up, you probably still remember the discomfort and general distress associated with dental exams. Some of you may have once vowed to never set foot in a dentist office again due to an overwhelming “dental fear”.

That would be a big mistake. Regular dental exams are essential for healthy gums and teeth, and your oral health is a key component of your overall health. If you dislike dental appointments enough to keep you out of the chair, follow these tips from the American Dental Association. They can help you rest easy in the dentist chair while your mouth gets the care it needs.

Tips for overcoming dental anxiety

Pick the right time. Avoid feeling rushed or pressured at the dentist. Set an appointment that is convenient and comfortable for you. Mornings may work, or maybe Saturday afternoons will do. Just make sure the timing of your dental visits aren’t an additional cause of unnecessary stress.

Open up to your dentist. Your dentist hopes to make your visit a pleasant experience. So tell them if you are upset or nervous. They’ll take that into account and then give you the best treatment possible. Building this level of a trusting relationship can also help mitigate issues for people who are afraid of the dentist.

Tune out anxiety. To drown out the sound of the drill and other nerve-wracking sounds, bring your earbuds and smartphone to the examination chair. Turn on your favorite soothing playlist and close your eyes. You can ask your dental hygienist or dentist to give you a tap on the shoulder when it is time to spit.

Take yourself away. When you feel trapped in the dentist chair, close your eyes and imagine yourself someplace else. A sunlit beach, a mountain lake, or your grandkids playing in the backyard may do the trick. Your imagination can be a powerful tool in helping overcome dental phobia.

Smell relief. Aromatherapy also could calm your dental fear. Studies have shown that people who sniffed a floral scent during dental appointments left the experience more at ease. To try it, dab a handkerchief with three to four drops of an essential oil such as lavender. Sniff it at arms length whenever you feel tense. Or try a lavender-scented eye pillow mask. It will calm you and block out the harsh overhead lights.

Loosen up with muscle relaxation. While in the chair, tighten and release each muscle group, starting with the soles of your feet and slowly working up to your scalp. For the best results, keep muscles tightened for 15 seconds and then relax them while exhaling. Rest, choose another muscle group, and repeat.

To have and to hold. Kids may want to cuddle a teddy bear. Adults may choose to have a stress relief ball, worry stone or a hand grip to squeeze during treatment. Or place a rubber band on your wrist. When you feel anxious, give it a snap to bring you back to the reality that you really are in a safe space.

Get over it. You may have gone years without a cleaning. Maybe you delayed treatment and you’re ashamed or embarrassed by the vulnerable state of your mouth. You may even feel anxiety because of what the hygienist might say to you. But consider: dental professionals have seen it all. It won’t faze them, so it shouldn’t faze you either.

Rest easy with anesthesia. Depending on your dental procedure, the doctor may need to give you an anesthetic drug. If you are anxious, he may also give you an anti-anxiety medicine. Research has shown these options to be safe and effective, and they should provide a more relaxing and pleasant dental experience. Tell your dentist beforehand if you take over-the-counter or prescription medications. Speak up about serious medical conditions, too.

Seek professional help. The best strategy is to deal with the root cause of your anxiety. Unless you do this, you will always feel apprehension and dread before trips to the dentist. Do you really want to continue having to psych yourself up for every visit?

With these tips in mind, your next trip to the dentist will be a cinch. You probably still won’t go more than you have to, but at least you’ll have a more positive experience.

Your dentist can help you figure out how to deal with dental anxiety

If you’ve had bad experiences while getting dental work done, don’t let it affect your long-term dental care. At Fortson Dentistry we offer a variety of options to help you overcome your fear of the dentist including sedation dentistry. Schedule an appointment at one of our three locations today and we’ll help ease your fear and get your dental health on track.