How To Overcome Dental Anxiety?

4 Tips for Overcoming Dental Anxiety

At Aesthetic Dental Center of Bergen County in Ridgefield Park, NJ, we are proud of our reputation for providing outstanding dental care in a comfortable and safe environment. In spite of this, we recognize that a certain percentage of patients will experience some level of anxiety when receiving dental care. Although this is quite commonplace, it is still worrisome because we do not want patients to put off needed dental care because they are experiencing dental anxiety. So we put together a few tips to help anyone dealing with dental anxiety to overcome it, so they do not postpone or miss their dental appointments.

Causes of Dental Anxiety

• Memories of unpleasant experiences at the dental office as a child
• Fear of pain or needles
• Anxiety related to being present in medical settings, including related sights and sounds
• Anxieties about loss of control or physical restrictions when sitting in a dental chair
• Pre-existing conditions, such as claustrophobia or social anxiety

Here are a few tips to help you alleviate dental anxiety:

1. Distract yourself.

It often helps to simply distract yourself by bringing along a book to read or taking your phone or tablet and listening to some music over your headphones.

2. Prearrange signals.

You may not be aware of this, but you can prearrange hand signals between you and your dentist before your dental procedure. Anytime you feel uncomfortable or anxious, you can give this hand signal to stop your treatment. Many patients who commonly experience dental anxiety are surprised to learn that simply being aware of this fact itself leads to a reduction in anxiety.

You are in control at all times.

3. Conscious Oral Sedation

Conscious oral sedation normally comprises taking a number of pills prior to your dental procedure. This helps you to be more relaxed and comfortable during your dental appointment. 

You may find that you're a little out of it after your procedure when choosing this approach, so it is important to arrange transportation for yourself after your appointment.

4. Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is also an option to relieve dental anxiety. Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide can calm and relax you to relieve any tension and anxiety before your dental procedure. It is a very safe and fast-acting gas that can be delivered using a mask. All that you need to do is breathe normally, and you should start feeling the effects within 30 seconds.

For More Information on Overcoming Dental Anxiety

At Aesthetic Dental Center of Bergen County, we are on your side. We stand ready to assist you in any way that we can to relieve your dental anxiety so that you can receive your needed dental care in a safe and comfortable environment. 

Don't hesitate to contact us at any time to share your concerns or ask any questions. We are happy to converse with you to make any necessary arrangements so that you can keep up with your needed dental appointments.