Are you nervous about going to the dentist? It turns out, you aren’t the only one. In fact, about 36% of people experience some form of dental anxiety in their lives, according to one study published in 2014. This means that they are more likely to avoid making regular trips to their dentists, which can lead to serious complications down the road. Some people with severe dental phobia will wait until they are experiencing severe pain to visit their dentist.
Dental anxiety is common and affects people of all ages. Over the years, dentists have become more attuned to their patients’ emotional needs and have modified their appointments to be more accommodating to people who may need extra support. If you are nervous about visiting the dentist or fearful about experiencing potential pain during your appointment, be sure to let your dentist and dental hygienists know. This way, they can be extra sensitive to your phobia.
Alleviating Stress in the Dental Chair
Dentists can help you through stressful dental appointments and procedures by explaining each step to you before they perform it. This gives you a chance to mentally prepare yourself for what is to come and eliminates surprises. Knowledge is power, and knowing what exactly is going on inside your mouth may help put your mind at ease.
Additionally, many dentists encourage their patients to signal them to stop what they are doing if at any point the patient becomes uncomfortable. Simply putting up your hand to signal to the dentist to stop a cleaning or examination will give you time to breathe and gather yourself before moving on.
Some patients can trace their anxiety specifically to the noises of a dental appointment. The sound of a drill, the whirring of a toothbrush, or the clattering of instruments against teeth can all be anxiety-inducing to some people. Try asking your dentist if you can wear headphones and listen to music while they clean your teeth and perform their examinations. This will help you tune out the reality of the dental appointment while allowing the dentist to do what is necessary to check up on your dental health.
Make an Appointment at Babylon Dental Care
At Babylon Dental Care, we strive to provide a comforting, safe environment for all of our patients. This is why we are proud to offer sedation dentistry to anyone who requests it. Our friendly team of professionals can offer you nitrous oxide sedation or IV sedation, depending on the nature of your visit and level of phobia. Your dental health and comfort are of the highest priority, so please do not hesitate to ask about these options. Call us today at (631) 983-6665 to book your next appointment.
