Dental anxiety is a common, challenging issue that is nothing to be ashamed of. Many patients experience stress, nervousness, or fear before a dental appointment. That’s why the entire team at Casa Dental strives to create a warm, welcoming, and friendly environment for all our patients.
If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, let us know. We’re here to assist you. To help you manage your anxiety, we also put together this list, which includes eight tips for beating dental anxiety.
What is dental anxiety?
If you have dental anxiety, then you know exactly how it feels! You may experience a range of negative feelings, from uneasiness to stress and even terror. Any negative feeling associated with an upcoming visit to your dentist on Dupont counts as dental anxiety.
Severe anxiety, however, is referred to as dental phobia. Those with dental phobia experience irrational, overwhelming fear when faced with an impending appointment. In these cases, patients often go to great lengths to avoid going to the dentist at all.
Furthermore, certain mental health conditions increase the likelihood of dental anxiety or phobia. For example, those with generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or a history of head and neck trauma are more prone to nervousness around dental visits.
Signs of Dental Anxiety or Phobia
- Feelings of nausea when you think about going to the dentist.
- Heart palpitations, extreme sweating, lightheadedness, or shaking.
- Visible signs of distress like crying.
- Withdrawal or temporary aggression to mask the anxiety.
- Insomnia that is brought on by the thought of an upcoming appointment.
- Extreme reluctance to enter the dental office or waiting room.
- A strong desire to flee the dentist’s office.
- General or irrational fear, which keeps you from seeing the dentist.
8 Tips to Help Overcome Dental Anxiety
1. Relaxation techniques
There are a range of psychological coping techniques that can help you manage your dental anxiety. You can use one or more of these techniques to ease your anxieties.
It’s a good idea to try these techniques at home before your next appointment while your dental anxiety is present but more manageable. This will give you a chance to discover what works best for you.
- Use a weighted blanket.
- Distract yourself by listening to your favourite soothing music or audio.
- Keep your hands busy with a stress ball, fidget spinner, or suitable handheld object.
- Bring a comforting object, like a soft blanket or toy.
- Try deep, slow, and controlled breathing. This relaxes tension in your muscles (and ensures you’re getting enough oxygen).
- Use visualization or guided imagery.
2. Mindfulness practices
In your everyday life, you can introduce mindfulness practices that improve your ability to deal with anxiety. For example, meditation and yoga are two powerful mindfulness techniques. Over time, consistent meditation and yoga can reduce feelings of anxiety and better equip you to face triggering situations, like visiting the dentist.
Fortunately, there are many meditation apps available on your phone, which can help you get started.
3. Bring a loved one
You don’t have to face your dental fears alone. Overcoming severe dental anxiety is a long process, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Find someone who can accompany you to your appointments and be a pillar of strength while you’re there. (Make sure they are not afraid of the dentist, though, as this could intensify your anxiety!)
Surrounding yourself with loving support can help you feel less alone, more in control, and calmer. Your loved one can give you a pep talk, listen to your fears and concerns, and drive you to and from your appointment.
4. Discuss with your dentist
If you have dental anxiety or phobia, it’s very important to let your dentist know. That way, your dentist can work to put your mind at ease and create a more comfortable environment.
If we don’t know about your fears or concerns, we can’t help you overcome them. Many patients experience some level of anxiety, so there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed during your appointments and we’ll do what we can to make that a reality. Don’t be afraid to have an open and honest conversation with us. This helps us to better understand your needs and provide you with the best possible care.
The team at Casa Dental will:
- Answer your questions honestly to help you mentally prepare.
- Address your concerns, not invalidate them.
- Offer suggestions on coping strategies.
- Ask your permission before beginning or continuing the procedure.
- Explain what’s happening throughout the procedure.
Additionally, we can decide on a stop signal that lets us know when you need a break, such as raising your left pointer finger or hand, for example.
5. Sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry uses medication to ease your anxiety and prevent pain. At Casa Dental, we provide nitrous oxide sedation to help our patients dealing with dental anxiety.
Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) ensures a pain-free and relaxed experience. You’ll still be conscious and able to communicate with your dentist, but you won’t necessarily remember the procedure.
6. Self-care (before and after your appointment)
Taking extra care of yourself before or after your procedure helps set you up for a more relaxed appointment and builds positive associations with the dentist. It’s a good idea to avoid caffeine before the appointment, as this can increase anxiousness.
Try to get enough quality sleep in the nights leading up to your appointment. We also suggest scheduling your appointment for the morning when you’re feeling fresh and are less likely to be stressed.
After your appointment, take some time away from work to rest and recover. Give your stress levels the opportunity to come down before doing any other activities. Instead, plan to do something relaxing, comforting, or truly enjoyable.
7. Take it slow
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. As we said, overcoming dental anxiety can take a long time, particularly in severe cases. Taking it slow isn’t just realistic—it’s also kinder to yourself.
Congratulate yourself on every small step you take towards overcoming your anxieties. For you, simply calling Casa Dental and chatting with our team about booking an appointment might be a huge accomplishment—and that’s perfectly okay!
8. Find the right dentist
The right dentist and dental team can make all the difference. You want to feel that you have someone in your corner, ready to answer your questions and make your visit as comfortable as possible. At Casa Dental, that’s exactly the type of care we aim to provide. Our entire dental team is friendly, compassionate, and there to help.
Contact Casa Dental for a Compassionate Dentist on Dupont!
Casa Dental is your compassionate and caring dentist on Dupont Street in Toronto. We are a highly experienced team of dentists and dental professionals ready to provide you with the best possible dental care. Furthermore, we take pride in our warm and welcoming dental clinic, where you are welcomed with a smile and friendly hello.
Our goal isn’t just to provide exceptional dental care; we also want you to have a pleasant and painless experience. So, if you experience dental anxiety, try Casa Dental.
Let us know about any fears or concerns you may have, so our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and take steps to make your next appointment comfortable.
To book an appointment in Toronto, call Casa Dental at 888-920-5324 or contact us here. In Mississauga Dental Clinic, you can call us at 888-270-8793.