How to Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist

Regular dental visits are key to good oral health, so it's important to address your dental anxiety promptly. Your dentist and these coping tips will help.

About 36% of people in the US have a fear of dental treatment, with 12% struggling with dental fear. About 3% of adults in industrialized countries have dentophobia and avoid going to the dentist as a result. 



Dental anxiety could keep you from receiving the dental care you need. Read on for tips from your dentist in New York, NY for anxiety management. With these tips, you can overcome your anxiety and improve your oral health. 

Talk to Your Dentist in New York, NY

Schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist in New York, NY, and let them know you're scared of the dentist. Communicating your concerns with your dentist can help you develop a dental anxiety management plan. 

Your dentist can explain each step of any dental procedure you need from start to finish. Knowing what to expect could help ease your anxiety.

Your dentist can also recommend relaxation techniques that might help you relax before appointments. 



Otherwise, consider talking to your dentist about sedation dentistry. You can remain comfortable and sedated while receiving the care you need. Sedation works for both general dentistry appointments and more complex procedures. 

Determine the Root Cause

Try to determine the root cause of your dental anxiety. For example:

• Fear of pain
• Trust issues
• Fear of losing control
• Previous traumatic experiences
• Fear of anesthesia not working
• Fear of side effects
• Uncomfortable with the invasion of personal space
• History of generalized anxiety disorder
• Fear of drilling or needles

Understanding the cause of your anxiety can help you determine the best possible solution.



For example, if you have trust issues, prioritize finding a New York dentist you trust. If you're worried about pain, talk to your dentist about anesthesia options and sedation dentistry.

Prioritize General Dentistry

Dental anxiety can have serious repercussions on your oral health, which could hurt your overall health. High dental anxiety can even affect your quality of life. Prioritizing your oral hygiene can help you avoid serious issues like cavities and gingivitis.

Otherwise, you could need more complex dental procedures, which could make your dental anxiety worse.

Prioritize general dentistry by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Brushing and flossing will remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. Otherwise, plaque, bacteria, and saliva will mix, leading to plaque formation.

Plaque, the sticky, clear substance that clings between and onto your teeth, can eventually release acid. Cavities will form, which could lead you to need a filling. You could develop gum disease, causing inflammation, bleeding gums, and receding gums.

You could risk losing a tooth if gum disease progresses to its advanced stage, periodontitis. You could lose a tooth, which can lead to more complications. You'll need a dental implant and crown to fill the gap in your smile. 

Talk to your New York dentist about preventative dentistry. They can help you avoid oral health issues, including cavities and gum disease. For example, they might recommend fluoride treatments. 



Otherwise, talk to your dentist for tips on how to improve your oral health.

Seek Professional Help

Consider seeking professional help before your dental visit.

Exposure therapy could help ease your dentophobia. You'll gradually desensitize your fear before any necessary procedures.



A therapist might recommend a few initial appointments to help ease your dental anxiety. They might also recommend anti-anxiety medications. 

Use Relaxation Techniques

Use a range of relaxation techniques to determine which best helps improve your anxiety. A few include hypnosis, distraction, guided meditation, and breathing exercises. 

Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises could help you feel calmer. 

To ease stress during your appointments, close your eyes and inhale slowly through your nose. Hold your breath for a few seconds. Then, slowly exhale through your mouth.

Repeat this step a few times while focusing on the breath traveling through your body.

Meditation

Your anxiety could make you tense. To promote calmness, try meditation or muscle relaxation. These techniques can improve your focus, muscle relaxation, and awareness. 



When you're seated in the dental chair, close your eyes. Relax your body from head to toe. Note each part of your body and try to relax the tension there. 

You can also try meditating before and after the appointment to ease your tension.

Distraction

Relieve your anxiety by focusing on a nearby distraction.

For example, you can wear headphones and listen to music. Watch TV or a movie you love as well.

Bring a Friend

Consider bringing a friend to your appointment. They can keep you calm and offer support.



Make sure to ask your dentist ahead of time if it's okay to bring someone into the exam room with you. Choose someone who usually makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Consider Medication

Talk to your doctor or therapist about medication you can use to ease your anxiety.

For example, analgesia is used to relieve pain and moderate anxiety. It's available over the counter. 

Dentists use nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, in their offices.

Conscious sedation is ideal for moderate to severe anxiety. You can take an oral sedative a few hours before your appointment. You won't be asleep during the appointment with this option. 



With general anesthesia, you'll remain fully asleep or unconscious during the procedure. 

Arrive Early

Try to arrive at your dentist's office early. Arriving early will help you feel more in control. Running late, on the other hand, might trigger your anxiety further.



When you arrive, try to relax. Use deep breathing exercises to ease your anxiety.

Manage Your Dental Anxiety

Learning how to manage your dental anxiety can ensure you receive the dental care you need. Use these tips from your dentist in New York, NY. Before your appointment, prioritize your at-home general anxiety to avoid needing more complex procedures. 

Prioritize your health with dental anxiety management today.

Need to talk about your anxiety with your New York dentist? We can't wait to see you.

Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.