How to cure and manage dental anxiety & improve health

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Although modern dentistry has come a long way from the whirring sounds from loud, medieval-looking tools, blinding lights and masked, goggled doctors, do you find that you are still one of the millions of Americans who puts off going to see your dentist until you are in pain? Does your heart pound as you recline in the office chair and hear, "Open wide?"

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may suffer from dental anxiety, or the more extreme dental phobia. And you are certainly not alone. According to WebMD, between 9 and 20 percent of the U.S. population avoids going to the dentist because of fear and anxiety – that’s between 29 and 64 million people. Like most ailments, curing (or at least managing) your dental anxiety begins with recognizing that you have it.

Signs of dental anxiety

If you experience the following symptoms, you may want to take some necessary steps into managing your anxiety.

  • Having difficulty sleeping the night before you see the dentist
  • Experiencing nervous feelings that escalate once you enter the dentist’s waiting room
  • Becoming emotional just by thinking about scheduling an appointment
  • Fearing the dentist’s tools or experiencing anxiety just by thinking about the tools

How to manage or cure dental anxiety

The key to healthy gums and teeth is regular visits to the dentist. Unfortunately, those with dental anxiety may ignore their dental needs because of anxiety. Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the anxiety before an appointment.

  • Schedule a consultation to better familiarize yourself with your dentist. Some dentists offer complimentary consultations, allowing you to meet the staff and tour the office before ever scheduling an appointment. This opportunity allows nervous patients to meet their treatment provider, talk to the provider about fears and discuss a plan to make the visit as relaxing as possible.
  • Talk to your dentist. Open and honest communication will allow your dentist to serve you best. Their training and experience with nervous patients will allow them to provide advice and suggestions to help alleviate your anxiety.
  • Request that your dentist explains what their course of action is before the appointment begins. Feelings of helplessness or that you have no control can be lessened by being transparent and open with your dentist. He or she may be able to explain each procedure prior to executing it, helping you rid yourself of feelings of uncertainty.
  • Ask for sedation. Some dentists offer IV and oral sedation. IV sedation provides a higher level of sedation than nitrous oxide and offers more predictable results than oral medication, all while maintaining the patient's consciousness. This allows the patient to completely relax and still interact as needed. If you experience dental anxiety and have been avoiding essential oral health care, the deep state of relaxation that can be achieved through IV sedation may provide the solution you've been searching for.
  • Request that music or a television be turned on. Music and television can be a great distraction from what’s going on around you. You can ask your dentist to either allow you to put in your headphones or, if available, to turn on a television in the office.
  • Ask for a break. If your dentist is open to it, ask to take a quick breather to get up, stretch or do some breathing exercises to re-center yourself during an appointment.

With so many advances in dental technology and treatment plans, you no longer need to suffer through pain or risk your oral health to avoid the dreaded dental appointment. Anxiety management services like oral and IV sedation are not only effective, but affordable, as many dental offices offer financing plans through medical lending providers such as Lending Club.

Amanda DePerro is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.