Many of the dental treatments we perform have significant health benefits. Routine procedures like fillings and root canal treatments help fight decay and infection while saving your teeth and averting other complications. Teeth straightening, dental implants, and cosmetic bonding are also smile-enhancing treatments which improve health. 

But as essential as some treatments are, we understand how anxiety can prevent you from seeking our help. You may feel nervous or even embarrassed because it’s been a long time since you last visited a dentist, or you may fear everything about making an appointment. 

Dental phobia is a common problem, and although you may minimise your anxiety by avoiding attending checkups, you may harbour oral health problems, which could escalate. It’s worth addressing anxiety around visiting the dentist so you can comfortably receive treatment when you need it. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the steps you can take to tackle your worries and fears about dental treatments. 

Why Am I Scared of the Dentist?

It’s natural to feel scared of some things. Fear and anxiety are there to make us more risk-averse and protect us from danger. But in the case of dentistry, checkups and treatments actually improve your health, and anxiety can lead to conditions worsening. 

Working out why you’re scared of the dentist is often an important step in managing your anxiety. If you can determine what you dislike or are afraid of, you can either address it by talking about it or find ways to minimise anxiety or distract yourself. 

Some of the most common causes include:

• A previous negative experience
• Hearing about other people’s negative experiences
• Embarrassment over your current dental health
• Fear of potential pain and discomfort
• Feeling powerless
• Dislike of the sounds and smells
• Concerns around choking or gagging
• Proximity your dentist needs to get to you
• Worries about the instruments used

How Can I Overcome Dental Anxiety?

There are ways to address your anxiety about dental checkups and treatments. Having a plan will make your visit even easier. 

Step One: Talk To Us

The more we know about how you feel, the better we can help you. Although we always treat patients at a comfortable pace, talk through procedures, and use the least invasive treatment options, knowing you’re anxious means we can talk about how you might communicate feelings of panic and how we can adapt our process. 

Step Two: Come for a Checkup During a Quiet Time

Our practice is designed to be relaxing and inviting, but we understand that visiting during the busier times of the day might increase your anxiety. Speak to our friendly team and find a quiet time to visit. 

Step Three: Don’t Come Alone

Certain people in our lives can ground us and help regulate difficult emotions. Bring someone with you. This could be a friend, family member, or partner.

Step Four: Bring Distractions

Music, audiobooks, and podcasts are all good distractions if you’re having a procedure, and books, magazines, and puzzles are great ways to take your mind off things while you’re waiting for your appointment. 

Step Five: Breathe

Anxiety changes your breathing patterns and puts you into a state where your body is ready to react to danger. You can stop yourself from feeling on edge by taking long, slow, and controlled breaths. 

A minute or so of deep breathing can often reduce your anxiety enough to continue with your appointment. 

What Can I Do If I Have a Severe Dental Phobia?

If you feel your dental anxiety can’t be managed, or you know you have trauma, it’s helpful to speak to your GP or a counsellor. A doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate anxiety, while a trained counsellor can provide talking therapy to change how you view dental treatment. 

Compassionate Dentistry in Beaconsfield

If you’re nervous about coming for a checkup or treatment, let us know. Our caring team is always here to reassure and support you so you get the treatment you need. 

Contact us today to arrange your next appointment.