If the thought of going to the dentist makes you break out in a cold sweat, you are not alone. “Fear of the dentist” is more common than you might think. While nearly 75% of adults admit they experience some level of anxiety or nervousness about going to the dentist, many people have a severe enough dental phobia they avoid the dentist completely, until pain compels them to go. If you find yourself nervous or scared about going to the dentist, read on for some strategies you can use to help yourself feel more comfortable in the dental office as well as ways your dentist can help you get the treatment you need in the most comfortable way possible.
“I’m scared it’s going to hurt.”
Nearly every patient says this, and if they don’t, they’re definitely thinking it. Anticipation before a procedure causes our minds to race and imagine the worst case scenario. Your dentist wants you to be comfortable, so they will make sure the area is completely numb before beginning the procedure. You should talk with your dentist beforehand to establish clear signals, such as raising your hand, so the dentist will know to stop if needed. Communicating with your dentist in this way can go a long way to establish mutual trust and assure you do not feel “loss of control” during the appointment.
“I can’t stand the sound of the drill!”
While the sounds of the office may not be completely removed, there are ways you can distract yourself from the inevitable whirring noises. For example, you could wear earphones and listen to music or a podcast. Some offices have an overhead TV screen so you can stream your favorite movie while in the dental chair. Some patients manage this issue through progressive muscle relaxation, where they slowly stretch and relax different muscle groups throughout the appointment. Your dentist can also suggest other techniques to help take your mind off the unpleasant noises inherent to dental procedures.
“I don’t want to get a shot.”
The fear of needles and injections is real, and dentists know it. Dental procedures often require numbing and understandably, this is one of the most common causes of apprehension for patients. It is important to remember that numbing actually makes the appointment MORE comfortable for you. Thankfully, there are numerous techniques your dentist can use to lessen the sting of the needle. For example, a topical gel can help numb the gums before placing the anesthetic. The anesthetic can also be warmed to your body temperature beforehand to decrease nerve stimulation. Your dentist might even gently wiggle your lip or cheek to “confuse” the nerves while giving the injection. Through these methods, most patients do not feel much more than a small pinch. However, if you suffer from a true needle phobia, you may need sedation medications to relax, or even sleep through the whole procedure.
“I’m worried my dentist will make me feel guilty for waiting so long to come in.”
Bottom line: No one should ever feel ashamed or embarrassed to go to the dentist no matter how long it has been since their last visit. And if you are at the point where you’re afraid to show your smile, it’s definitely time for a visit. Ask around or read online reviews to find a dentist in your area who you think will be compassionate and understanding. Remember, dentists have spent an incredible amount of time studying and honing their skills in order to care for patients in any situation, from healthy mouths to broken teeth and everywhere in between. Dentists are not glad you have problems, but they are glad they can help you overcome these problems and get you on your journey to a healthy and happy smile. That is usually why they became dentists in the first place!
“I’ve tried everything and I’m still too nervous to go to the dentist.”
If this is you, then it is time you talk to your dentist about sedation. Gripping the arm rests till your knuckles turn white is no way to get through a dental appointment. Sedation is the use of certain medications to produce relaxation. It is safe and effective, and can be used for nearly any dental procedure. There are different levels of sedation depending on your level of anxiety or fear, or the difficulty of the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide
The lowest level of sedation has actually been used in dentistry for over 150 years. Nitrous Oxide, or more popularly known as laughing gas, is inhaled through your nose and creates a calming, pleasant sensation throughout the body. Nitrous oxide works by slowing the nervous system so your responses are slower and less inhibited, which is why some people might start giggling, hence the name “laughing gas.” Most people report feeling gentle tingling in their toes and fingers, and may even have a sense of floating.
Nitrous oxide is best used for those patients who are mildly anxious and just need a bit of help to relax. Because the effects disappear almost immediately after the dentist turns off the gas, you can drive yourself home or back to work afterward. It is frequently used for treating children because of its rapid on, rapid off effects. There are some situations where it is not advised, so you should discuss this with your dentist.
Oral Sedation
As the name suggests, this type of sedation is when you take a small pill before your appointment to help you relax. The medication is usually a type of “sleeping pill” and will make you slightly drowsy. Usually one pill is enough to “take the edge off”, but if you are especially nervous, you would need additional doses to maintain an appropriate level of comfort, in which case your dentist would need to have special certification. Oral sedation medications have a long, successful history in dentistry and can be used for many different situations. Talk to your dentist to see if it is available and if it is right for you. With oral sedation you would need to have someone drive you to and from the appointment.
IV Sedation
If you suffer from true dental phobia or are undergoing a larger procedure and you don’t want to remember any of it, you might consider IV sedation. Here, sedating medications are placed intravenously to induce a greater state of relaxation, often to the point you fall asleep. Afterward you have little to no memory of the procedure, and you can expect to be a bit drowsy for the rest of the day. You would have to not eat or drink for several hours before the appointment, and someone would need to drive you home afterward. There are certain medical conditions that preclude IV sedation as well as some inherent risks, so be sure to have a frank discussion with your sedation dentist at the consult appointment. Because of the rigorous training and special certification required, only a small number of general dentists choose to perform IV sedation in their offices.
Your comfort matters
From the person greeting you at the front desk to the dental assistant in the back, everyone in the dental office is there to help you achieve your goal to have a healthy mouth and to feel comfortable reaching that goal. By telling your dentist if you have any level of worry or fear, they can assure you receive the extra care you need. Gone are the days where going to the dentist is synonymous with pain and suffering. From simple techniques you can perform yourself, to sedation methods your dentist may provide, you no longer need to avoid taking care of your smile.
Dr. Robert Watson, originally from Montana, graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. After dental school he attended an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency, then worked as a dentist in the Air Force for eight years, living overseas in Japan and England, before moving to North Carolina in 2016. He is now partners with Dr. Bass at Bass & Watson Family Dental in Apex, NC, where he continues to practice sedation dentistry.
Dr. Michael Bass is a North Carolina native and graduated from the UNC School of Dentistry. He has been in private practice for over 19 years, and has made continuing education an uncompromising ambition, always staying at the forefront of dentistry. He is receiving his Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry this summer in Las Vegas, an honor fewer than 2% of dentists obtain. He is a partner with Dr. Watson at Bass & Watson Family Dental in Apex, NC.
