Feelings of anxiety about seeing the dentist is something that affects a large majority of people. You may be especially interested in a beautiful smile makeover, or you may want to – once and for all – create a habit in which you stay ahead of dental problems with routine care; and yet, fear keeps you from your goals. Here, we will take a look at some of the common sources of dental anxiety, and what you can do about them.
- The unknown. The unknown sounds like an abyss in which anything could happen. This is frightening! Something to remember about dentistry, though, is that there are only so many problems your dentist may alert you to during your routine exam. The more regimented you can be about your follow-up in our office, the less chance there is that you will hear any bad news at all about your oral health.
- Unsettling sounds and sights. Were you to hear the sound of a dental drill in a different scenario, not one pertaining to your mouth, chances are the noise would not seem unpleasant. For some patients, the sharp appearance of dental instruments is the source of fear. Each of these can be addressed. Many patients find relief with noise-cancelling headphones and their favorite music. In some cases, close observation of instruments, and discussion about how they are used, can settle the nerves.
- Fear of gagging. No one likes to gag, let alone gag in front of other people! A strong gag reflex is one of the most common reasons we hear from patients that they dislike seeing the dentist. There are ways around this. Mindful breathing through the nose is one. If this is difficult, patients may consider using nasal strips or spray to open the passages for air flow.
- The need for numbing medication via injections can keep some people from getting the restorative care they need. One of the ways to mitigate this fear is to maintain regular six-month visits. This is one of the best ways to prevent dental conditions that require repair, which enables you to avoid the need for anesthetic injections altogether.
Patients of Beverly Hills dentist Dr. Frey can also discuss our use of sedation dentistry techniques to make their visits more comfortable and pleasant. Call 310-276-4537.
