Dental phobia is a common fear and one that affects many people. Dental phobia is an irrational fear of the dentist, and it is often related to a negative past experience. Dental phobia is a type of social phobia, and like other phobias, it can keep people from getting the care they need.

Discuss your fears with your dentist

If you are feeling nervous about dental procedures, you should let your dentist know. They can help you relax by explaining every step of the procedure and telling you what to expect after the treatment is finished. The doctor can also answer any questions you have about the treatment that you need to do.

Discuss your anxiety or fear with your dentist before the procedure so they will be better prepared to help you feel calm during your visit. If you already know what triggers your dental anxiety, let them know so they can minimize these triggers during your procedure.

Agree on a signal

Communicate with your dentist about your fear of dental procedures so you can agree on a signal that will let your dentist know that you need a break. This can help minimize your fear, especially if you are feeling anxious or uncomfortable. Your dentist will do their best to make sure you are as comfortable as possible throughout your entire appointment. They will check with you often to make sure your needs are being met at all times.

Bring a support person

Having a friend or a family member as your support during dental treatments can take away your worries and fears. Your companion can answer questions and help you communicate with your dentist during the procedure. Just keep in mind that your companion should be someone you can fully trust around you. The presence of another person will help ease your anxiety. It will also keep your mind distracted and help you feel more comfortable during the procedure. It’s also best that you avoid bringing children to your appointments to avoid accidents and unnecessary reactions from the child.

Bring distractions to occupy your mind during procedures

Some patients get anxious at the dental clinic. If you are one of them, bring a book or an iPod to listen to music during your treatment. This will help you distract yourself from the procedure and keep your mind occupied.

Consider sedation dentistry

If you are in severe anxiety from dental treatments or suffer from a medical condition that might complicate your treatment process, you might want to consider sedation dentistry. If your dentist recommends it, you might ask if these techniques can help you relax during treatments.

Sedation could help in reducing the amount of stress you feel during a procedure as well as breaking the memory of the discomfort you might feel after the procedure is done. You might also need sedatives if you have a strong gag reflex or are likely to become anxious easily during treatments. Your dentist will prescribe the medicine that is right for you based on your needs.

Here are some techniques being used today to help people relax and sleep through their dental procedures:

1. Local anesthesia – This numbs your mouth and prevents you from feeling any pain during the procedure.

2. Oral sedation – This is an effective way to help you relax during a long procedure. It also helps you stay comfortable while you are undergoing complicated procedures.

3. Nitrous oxide – Also known as laughing gas, this is the most common technique among dentists when it comes to providing dental patients with a relaxing experience. Patients inhale the gas through a mask placed on their nose, helping to relax them enough for a painless procedure. Once the procedure is over, patients simply remove the mask, and they are ready to go. This technique works best when combined with other relaxation techniques, such as local anesthesia.

4. Intravenous sedation – This is the strongest kind of sedation medication available. It is administered directly into the bloodstream through an IV, so the effects can take effect quickly. You can remain awake throughout the procedure, but you will not be in a condition to remember what happens. You will not feel any pain and will not remember anything after the surgery is over. 

If you wish to learn more, call us at (970) 479-0408 or visit Streamside Dental at 51 Eagle Rd, A1 Avon, Eagle-Vail, Colorado 81657. We will guide you further.