Tips To Ease Your Dental Fear

Dental anxiety is the fear of dental treatment. It is the most common phobia among children and adults. Dental anxiety is known to cause patients to avoid the dentist and miss their dental appointments. If you suffer from dental anxiety, you are not alone.

Fear of the dentist is common but doesn't have to be inevitable. Consider these solutions to ease your fear of the dentist.

• Talk to your dentist about your fears. Many people are embarrassed to bring up their dental anxiety, but a frank discussion with your dentist will help you both understand what is causing the anxiety and work together to ease the discomfort.
• Don't avoid going to the dentist because of fear or anxiety. Even if you just want to have your teeth cleaned, make an appointment with your dentist and show up for it. Avoiding the dentist will only make the problem worse.
• Find a dentist you trust and talk with them about your fears before your appointment. The more comfortable you feel in your dentist's office, the less anxious you will be during any procedure you may need.
• Ask for sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help a patient feel completely relaxed during their dental procedure. Sedation can be used during a cleaning, filling, extraction, root canal, or other treatments. Sedation dentistry can also help ease anxiety during your appointments. Discuss sedation options with your dentist to find out if they could work for you.
• Remember, pain is temporary. While you may dislike your dental appointment, it won't last long. Even if you experience some discomfort, it will pass quickly.
• Talk yourself through your procedure beforehand to know what to expect. Many dental fears stem from the unknown, so be prepared for what will help quell nervousness during the appointment.
• Only allow those who are helping you to feel comfortable around your mouth. Both your dentist and staff need to know if you're uncomfortable and need a break. Being distracted and relaxed can keep you from feeling apprehensive about the procedure itself.
• Use relaxation techniques to help you calm your nerves in the chair. Many people find taking deep breaths helpful while getting work done on their mouths. Some even use headphones to listen to music while they sit in their dentist's chair.
• Ask a friend to go with you to your dental appointment. Having someone to talk to and share the experience with you

To learn more, call Texas Sage Dentistry at (972) 562-0197 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with top McKinney, TX dentist Dr. Barret Davidson today!