What is Dental Fear?

When patients are afraid of the dentist, it manifests differently. Some dare not to make appointments. Others make appointments but cancel them at the last moment.

Some patients overcome their fear and come for a consultation with the dentist, but they tremble even during a visual examination of the oral cavity without any intervention by the doctor. But more often than not, the fear of the dentist is simple: patients postpone visits to the clinic and dental treatment until they can no longer bear the pain. Or worse, when a tooth requires complex treatment or even prosthetics. Many may also feel intense anxiety several days before the visit and on the day of the visit.

But, fortunately, it’s possible to overcome this with a little effort. Believe me, it’s worth it because your oral health is at stake. Before discussing ways to overcome dental anxiety, let’s consider the reasons for dental anxiety.

Common Reasons Behind Dental Anxiety

Childhood Trauma

Many things can trigger fear in childhood. Perhaps an unpleasant experience visiting the dentist in childhood played a cruel joke on you. And as an adult, you continue to feel anxious when visiting the doctor.

Negative Experience

Painful sensations, negative treatment experiences, or unpleasant interactions with the dentist in the past can also affect your future attitude toward other doctors. Even if this did not happen in childhood, when all fears seemed enormous, but in adulthood.

Fear of Pain

Pain is the body’s protective function. Thus, the body tells us that something is wrong. And its desire to avoid it is natural. For this reason, visiting the dentist can cause discomfort, fear, and a desire to avoid going to the doctor, as dental treatment often involves painful sensations.

All these and other reasons can cause fear and active resistance to dental treatment. And as a result, the development of caries, pulpitis, gingivitis, and other dental and gum diseases without timely dental care.

But don’t worry, this can be worked on. The VIP Dental Care in Forest Hills has gathered useful tips on how to overcome dental anxiety and is happy to share them with you.

How to Overcome Dental Anxiety: Tips from Vip Dental Care Clinic

Actress Ruth Gordon once said, “courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it by use.” Therefore, no matter how strong your fear of the dentist may be, with a little effort, it can be overcome. Here are a few ways to help you do that.

Be your own superhero

Superheroes don’t wear capes. They take care of themselves and their loved ones. Face your fear or help your loved ones do so. Start with something simple: schedule a regular consultation with a dentist, where they will just examine your oral cavity and discuss any existing issues and ways to address them. It’s quick, painless, and, most importantly, not scary at all. After that, you can discuss further treatment steps with the dentist based on the proposed plan.

Find “your” dentist

All people are different. Some prefer lively dentists who like to joke during appointments and create a relaxed atmosphere, while others prefer more reserved professionals. Therefore, don’t rush to postpone a visit to the dentist due to fear. Don’t refuse dental treatment until you can’t wait anymore. Perhaps you just haven’t found your doctor yet. Find a specialist with whom you will feel most comfortable. And then anxiety before the session will be a thing of the past.

Try to Relax

Find what calms you down. It could be a breathing technique, a short meditation, your favorite song in your headphones, or a conversation with a pleasant person over the phone. Use all suitable methods to calm down and distract yourself before your dental treatment session. And you’ll see how the fear of the dentist will take a back seat.

Arrive Early for Your Appointment

Another way to overcome dental phobia is to scope out the environment. Arrive a little earlier for your appointment, sit in the waiting area, have a drink of water, and mentally prepare yourself for the visit to the dentist. Being in a familiar setting will make it easier for you to get used to the idea of treatment. You’ll know the clinic staff and the atmosphere, which will help calm your nerves. Plus, you’ll be eager for your session to start (after all, no one likes waiting), and the anticipation will work in your favor—shifting your focus from anxious thoughts to “let’s get this over with and go home” mindset.

Bring a Support Group

Come to the dentist with a “support group.” It could be your friend(s) or partner who will support you before and after the appointment, keep you company while waiting for the session, and distract you from anxious thoughts with casual conversations. On one hand, you’ll be distracted from your worries, and on the other hand, you’ll feel confident and secure.

Ask Your Dentist for Details About the Treatment

Fear of the unknown, uncertainty about the duration of the stay in the dentist’s office, and unfamiliar manipulations in the oral cavity can be more frightening than the treatment itself. When you don’t know what to expect, fear of the unknown can exaggerate your expectations, making you even more uncomfortable. Share your concerns with the dentist and ask them to explain every step of the treatment. This way, you can “keep everything under control” and at the same time distract yourself from anxious thoughts.

Consider Sedation

When fear is so overwhelming that no amount of talking or relaxation techniques help, sedation can be a solution. It’s a type of dental treatment where the patient remains in a state of light sedation throughout the procedure. The patient inhales special sedative medications through a mask. This allows them to be in a state similar to sleep – fully relaxed and calm, yet still conscious. The procedure is conducted under the supervision of an anesthesiologist and is recommended not only for adults but also for children.

If you like the idea of treatment under sedation, check with your dentist to see if this option is available at your clinic and if it’s suitable for you based on medical considerations.

Reward Yourself After the Visit

Create a positive experience for yourself when visiting the dentist. Reward yourself for your courage. Give yourself small or big gifts each time after dental treatment. Let there be an extra incentive for you to take care of yourself despite your fear. For example, attending a popular show at the theater or having dinner at your favorite restaurant, or it could simply be buying your favorite dessert.

We hope that these simple yet very important steps will help you overcome your fear of the dentist and dental treatment. And remember, everything you do, you do it solely for yourself and your health. No one else can do it for you. So take care of your dental health, even if it means facing your fear head-on.

Additional Resources

3 Ways to Stop Fearing the Dentist – American Dentist Association

5 tips to reduce anxiety and stress in dentists, patients during their visit – American Dentist Association