Choosing the right dentist is important when addressing dental anxiety. Some dentists are fully prepared to address their patients' anxiety, while others place various levels of importance on how to treat patients who experience anxiety. When the right dentist is chosen, patients are more likely to make it to their regular dental appointments, supporting their good oral health.
While most people know whether they have some level of anxiety, those who have a small case of dental anxiety may not even realize it. Common symptoms include sweating, heart palpitations, worry, fear, crying, aggression, feeling overwhelmed and an overall feeling of panic. According to WebMD, between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. This means up to one in five people may not be going to their dental appointments due to dental anxiety.
The list below includes some beneficial tips for dental patients who are currently living with dental anxiety. Those who experience any level of anxiety should not feel embarrassed, as anyone can experience this condition.
Good communication with an experienced and caring dentist is essential for patients who experience dental anxiety. By a patient letting the dentist know what types of symptoms they are experiencing, the dentist is then able to offer them advice on what they can do in order to feel less anxious before, during and even after their appointment. One example of how dentists can help patients is to show them a few hand signals they can use when undergoing treatment, allowing the patient to let them know whether they are fine or need to take a break.
Dentists can help anxious patients be comfortable by asking them questions before their dental appointment. The answers to these questions will help them accommodate the patient once it comes time for their appointment. For the most part, dentists want to know things like whether their patients have a fear of injections, if they can easily breathe through their nose, if they have a strong gag reflex, or if they are afraid to get X-rays and anything that can get in their way of being comfortable during dental treatment.
Many dental patients will benefit from learning one or more different techniques to help them relax before, during and after dental appointments. Examples of some of the more common techniques used include deep and controlled breathing, visualization and meditation. All of these techniques are proven to be effective for their ability to relax someone, it is simply a matter of dental patients figuring out which relaxation techniques are going to work best for them.
Now that you have read the above information, it is understood just how common anxiety is in dental patients. While it is understandable that many patients will put off going to a dental office because they experience so much anxiety, the above tips should help them, allowing them to make it to their necessary dental appointments.
Request an appointment here: https://impladentdentistry.com or call Impladent Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry at (714) 677-9452 for an appointment in our Anaheim office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in Anaheim, CA.
Want to understand how dental anxiety can get in the way of someone’s ability to get the dental treatment they need for good oral health? Those currently living with any level of anxiety need to take action to address their anxiety to be sure they can get all the dental treatments they need for good…
Dental anxiety is fear that is almost as prevalent as the fear of snakes or the fear of heights. About four percent of American adults face the problem. The fear is so strong that there are people who avoid going to the dentist at all costs. But doing so can be very harmful to their…
If you have any dental anxiety over a checkup, we can work to accommodate your needs and handle the anxiety.People who have dental anxiety will avoid visiting the dentist and increase the risk of infection. We can accommodate your needs to help deal with dental anxiety and provide you the necessary treatment.Dental AnxietyAt Impladent Implant…
While nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, can be intimidating and confusing, your general dentist is ready to answer any questions you may have about this option for anesthesia. As any medical treatment is nothing to laugh at, it is important to understand what nitrous oxide is and how it works before deciding with…
If a dentist determines that you need a dental crown, there are several reasons why…
Partial dentures are becoming increasingly popular. Dentures are a practical tooth replacement option, but it…
With dental veneers, a dentist can change the tooth’s size, color, and length by attaching…
Traditional metal braces were the go-to way to improve the alignment of a person’s teeth…
Understanding the process that dentists use with dental bonding should help you decide if treatment…
Very few know what dental anxiety means, and some do not know that it exists.
