subject: Understanding Anxiety- Going To The Dentist Shouldn't Be A Bad Thing [print this page] Understanding Anxiety- Going To The Dentist Shouldn't Be A Bad Thing
Does the thought of going to the dentist make you cringe? You are not alone if you fear going to the dentist for treatment. In fact, more than 20 million Americans avoid going to the dentist due to fear, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). With advancements in dentistry, you no longer have to avoid the dentist due to anxiety or fears because there are a number of ways that you can work with your dentist to calm your fears.What your Dentist can do to HelpPatients are anxious about their visits to the dentist for an array of reasons, including fear of receiving local anesthesia or concerns about effectiveness. Negative and traumatic experiences in the past also play a large role in anxiety. Your dentist can relieve your anxiety from the moment you call for an appointment. Your dentist's office has been trained to tell you what to expect and to answer any questions concerning your visit. Additionally, an understanding of the dental services you will be receiving can help to relieve your dental anxiety. Always ask questions and request informational materials if needed. Some dentists will even prescribe and administer medications to help patients relax during their appointment. Talk to your dentist about your concerns and ask about the possibility of using dental sedation. Sedation dentistry utilizes medications that allow you to relax and often feel sleepy while visiting your dentist for a procedure. Types of sedation include inhaled, intravenous and oral sedatives. Some other tips for overcoming dental anxiety include: Talk to your dentist. Avoid caffeine and sugar before your appointment. Schedule dental appointments early in the day. Focus on relaxing. Breathe regularly and slowly during the procedure. Use hand signals to inform your dentist when uncomfortable.Why are you Anxious?People are anxious about visiting their dentist for a variety of reasons. Often, many are anxious because they worry about the effectiveness of localized anesthesia and feel as if the dentist is rushed or neglecting their concerns. Other factors include anticipation of pain during a procedure, the cost of a procedure, past experiences that were proven traumatic and the sterile smell of a dental office or sounds of drilling. Additionally, interrupting a normal day's routine to visit the dentist can also be a leading contributor to generalized anxiety. If you anxiety is not addressed, it can lead to oral health problems as the result of avoiding the dentist. Through this, you can end up needing much more time spent in the dental chair when treatment is the only option to save your oral health and overall health. If you are looking for a dentist, ask your friends or relatives for recommendations. A review from someone you trust about a dentist can significantly improve your experience and reduce dental anxiety. Those with anxiety disorders may disregard their oral health altogether, increasing their risk for various oral health complications including cavities, periodontal disease and bruxism. Talk to your dentist in Livonia about your anxiety and what can be done to reduce it.
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