Dealing with Dental Anxiety: How to Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist
If you’re afraid of the dentist or get stressed just thinking about having your teeth cleaned, you’re not alone. In one study, a staggering 61% of respondents feared going to the dentist, and dental anxiety prevents 1/3 of Americans from seeking professional care.
No matter how much you fear the dentist, neglecting your teeth and gums can have even scarier results. Thankfully, there are plenty of strategies for calming anxiety and overcoming fears to get your teeth the care they need.
Calm Your Common Dental Worries
“What if it hurts?"
If you’re nervous about pain or needles. We have plenty of options for numbing patients and helping them relax before/during treatment.
“I had a bad experience in the past."
Honesty and openness regarding negative past experiences is key to navigating the stress induced by past trauma. Talk with our dentist and hygienist about your past experiences. By being aware of your history, we can help put you at ease. We’ll explain how we do things differently and offer you options to keep your dental care current without suffering anxiety.
“I feel helpless, out of control, and claustrophobic in the dental chair."
When you aren’t able to speak easily, hear strange sounds going on around you, and have a bib tied around your neck, it’s common to experience feelings of claustrophobia. Tell us how you’re feeling and raise your hand any time during treatment to take a break.
“I feel embarrassed by the state of my oral health."
We’re professionals, and we’ve seen it all. Most importantly, though, our main goal is to help people stay healthy and get the smiles of their dreams. No matter what state your mouth is in, we’ll simply be honored that you’ve chosen us for your dental care.
Ease Your Worries with Treatment Options for Patients with Dental Anxiety
You can spend your whole life bravely working on overcoming your dental anxiety, but you shouldn’t let your teeth and gums go too long without the professional care they need. If you struggle with dental anxiety, worries about treatment, or a fear of the dentist, then sedation dentistry is the right option for you.
At Schaffer Dental Excellence, we offer our patients an array of sedation dentistry treatments that can help individuals with any level of fear or dental anxiety to access the dental care they need – without the unnecessary stress! Whether you’re facing a routine dental exam or a more extensive procedure, Dr. Schaffer can talk with you about the right level of sedation to ease you through your appointment and into a healthier future. To learn more or schedule a consultation with our San Diego dentist, we welcome you to contact our office today.
