If the thought of a dental visit makes your heart race or your palms sweat, you are far from alone! Millions of people feel nervous about going to the dentist. This feeling is so common it even has a name: dental anxiety. This fear is normal, and even more importantly, it’s something you can overcome.
Letting this fear stop you from getting care can lead to small, easy-to-fix problems turning into bigger, more complex ones. Fortunately, modern dentistry is more comfortable and understanding than ever before. This guide is here to offer practical steps you can take to feel more in control and less anxious about your next dental visit.
Feeling Anxious About the Dentist? Here’s How to Cope
Start by Understanding Your Fear
The first step to feeling better is figuring out what exactly makes you nervous. Take a moment to ask yourself: What am I really afraid of?
- Is it a memory of a past painful experience from childhood?
- Is it a fear of needles or the sound of the drill?
- Do you feel a loss of control when you lean back in the dental chair?
- Are you embarrassed about the condition of your teeth?
There is no wrong answer. Simply identifying the root of your fear gives you and your dental team a clear place to start. Once you know what the problem is, you can work together on a solution.
Your Most Powerful Tool: Communication
This might be the most important tip of all: talk to your dentist! It can feel scary to be vulnerable, but remember, dentists are there to help, not to judge. A good dentist will listen to your concerns without judgment.
Before your appointment, or at the very beginning of it, be honest. You can say something like:
- “I feel really nervous about being here.”
- “I’m afraid of feeling pain.”
- “Could you please explain what you’re doing before you do it?”
When your dentist knows what you’re worried about, they can adjust their approach. They can explain each step, agree on a hand signal you can use if you need a break, and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Create a Sense of Control and Comfort
You can do many small things to make the appointment feel more on your terms, like:
- Schedule a “Get-to-Know-You” Visit: For your first appointment, ask if you can just come in to meet the dentist and see the office. No cleaning, no treatment, just a good conversation. This helps you build trust without any pressure.
- Bring a Support Person: There’s no rule that says you have to go it alone. Bring a trusted friend or family member to sit with you in the waiting room or even come into the treatment room with you for moral support.
- Use a Distraction: Ask if you can wear headphones and listen to your favorite music, a podcast, or an audiobook during the procedure. This can help block out any unsettling noises and keep your mind occupied.
- Plan Your Signal: Work out a simple hand signal with your dentist (like raising your hand) that means “I need a break, please stop for a moment.” Knowing you have the power to pause the procedure can dramatically reduce feelings of being trapped.
Explore Options for a More Relaxing Experience
Modern dentistry has come a long way in managing discomfort and anxiety. We offer a range of solutions because we believe your comfort is just as important as your dental health. Our goal is to ensure your visit is as calm and stress-free as possible, transforming your perception of dental care.
Sedation Dentistry
Dental sedation is a fantastic option for many anxious patients. It doesn’t always mean you’re “put to sleep.” Instead, we use safe and controlled levels of medication to help you reach a state of deep relaxation. You’ll remain conscious and able to respond, but you’ll feel detached from the procedure, making a long or complex appointment feel like it passed in minutes. We carefully monitor you throughout the entire process to ensure your safety and comfort.
Nitrous Oxide
You breathe this in through a small mask that rests comfortably over your nose. It helps you feel deeply relaxed and calm, but you remain awake and can respond to the dentist. Many patients describe a pleasant, floating sensation that eases their nerves almost immediately. A significant benefit is that the effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed. You can drive yourself home and resume your normal activities shortly after your appointment.
Oral Sedation
This involves taking a prescribed pill before your appointment to help you feel drowsy and less anxious. You will need a companion to drive you to and from the office, as the effects last for several hours.
While under oral sedation, you will be in a twilight state. Awake but profoundly relaxed, and you may even doze off during the procedure. It’s an excellent way to manage fear for patients who have avoided the dentist for years because of high levels of anxiety.
Relaxation Techniques
Practicing simple techniques can calm your body’s stress response. These are powerful tools you can use on their own or in combination with other comfort options we provide. We encourage you to share your fears with us so we can help you find the best technique for your needs. Creating a sense of control over your relaxation is a key part of having a positive dental experience.
Deep Breathing
Focus on taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. This simple action slows your heart rate and tells your body’s nervous system to relax. You can practice this before and during your appointment, using the sound of our equipment as a rhythm to guide your exhales. Many patients find that this focused breathing makes them feel more centered and in control, significantly reducing their feelings of panic.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
This technique involves deliberately clenching and then releasing different muscle groups in your body, starting with your toes and working your way up. The act of tensing and then letting go helps to identify and release physical tension you may be holding. We can guide you through this process in the chair if you’re feeling stiff or nervous. By systematically relaxing your body, you can achieve a deeper state of overall calm that makes the dental procedure much easier to tolerate.
Your Questions, Answered
I’m an adult. Shouldn’t I have outgrown this by now?
Not at all. Dental anxiety is very common in adults. It has nothing to do with age and everything to do with past experiences or specific fears. You are not being childish; you are dealing with a very real feeling.
What if my fear is so bad I panic?
If your anxiety is severe, it’s a sign to seek extra support. Sever anxiety looks like panic attacks, nightmares, or leading you to cancel appointments repeatedly. Talk to your dentist about it. They may be able to refer you to a therapist who specializes in helping people manage dental phobias.
Will the dentist think my teeth are the worst they’ve ever seen?
Dentists have seen it all, and their main goal is to help you get healthy, not to judge you. They will be happy you’ve taken the brave step to come in and get the care you need.
Finding the Right Dental Team is Key
If your current dentist doesn’t make you feel heard or comfortable, it’s okay to look for a new one. Look for a practice that explicitly says it welcomes anxious patients. Read online reviews and pay attention to what other people say about the staff’s patience and chair-side manner. The right dentist for you is one who sees you as a person, not just a set of teeth, and who is willing to be your partner in overcoming your fear.
At Premier Dental Care in Palmdale and Lancaster, CA, we know that a visit to the dentist is about more than just teeth. Our team is dedicated to creating a welcoming, judgment-free zone where you can feel safe and heard. We offer a range of options, from simple breaks to sedation, to ensure your comfort.
You don’t have to let fear stand in the way of your health. Taking the first step is the hardest part. We invite you to contact our office today to schedule a consultation. Let’s have a conversation, with no pressure, and start building a dental experience you don’t have to dread.