Putting off going to the dentist may lead to bigger, more complicated dental problems.
Any dental problem will not go away by itself.
Many people await until the pain is unbearable until they arrange an appointment to see us.
But there is a better way...
If you suffer from dental anxiety you have 2 options: 1. Avoid the dentist at all costs 2. Find ways to manage your anxiety
SELECT OPTION 1 The problem with selecting option 1 is that a dental problem will not magically vanish. Without treatment any dental problem will become larger and potentially more painful. Any emergency treatment then becomes bigger and more expensive which leads to even MORE dental anxiety.
SELECT OPTION 2 Selecting option 2 is not the easiest option for people with dental anxiety. Many of our patients use a range of management strategies to enable them to visit us regularly. This ensures that any dental problem is dealt with quickly while it is easier to treat. We are always happy to discuss options to help make your dental visits easier.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE DENTAL ANXIETY?
There are many signs of dental anxiety, they may include: Racing heat beat or palpitations Sweating Visible distress, crying or signs of panic Low blood pressure that can lead to feeling light headed or feinting Withdrawal or use of humour or aggression to mask anxiety Missing dental appointments
TIPS TO MANAGE DENTAL ANXIETY
TALK TO US Let us know what part of the dental appointment you are having trouble with. Letting us know where you're having a problem means you don't need to deal with it alone, we can also help. We like to let you know what we are doing for each step of the appointment so that there are no surprises. If you need a break let us know we are happy to help out wherever we can.
RELAXATION TECHNIQUES One type of relaxation technique is to slow your breathing and heart rate. One of them is square breathing. Square breathing you breathe in for 4 sec - hold for 4 sec - breathe out for 4 sec - hold for 4 sec And no it is not just for kids!
DISTRACTION Listen to your favourite music or podcast during your dental appointment. Bring a favourite object - stress ball, fidget spinner, weighted blanket, stuffed animals (can work well especially for children)
SEDATION We can also offer dental sedation for your dental treatments (even your check up and cleans). Nitrous Oxide (Happy Gas) is available for patients to help minimise anxiety. Oral sedation is also an option that can be prescribed before your appointment.
WHY DEALING WITH DENTAL ANXIETY IS IMPORTANT?
Our dental health is linked to our overall health. By looking after your teeth and keeping them healthy, the rest of you can be healthy as well. Regular visits to a dentist that you feel comfortable with can mean that you can have healthy and clean teeth. Any dental problems that arise can be dealt with while they are small and avoid pain in the future.
It is unlikely that you will change from having dental anxiety to loving to visit the dentist. Take small steps using the above tips to make an appointment to start looking after your teeth. Regular visits to the dentist are easier and less expensive than putting off going to the dentist and dealing with the pain and expense in the future. You will wonder why you didn't do something sooner.
If you have any further questions about how we can help you if you have dental anxiety or any other dental question please give us a call or send us a message, we would love to help.