Dental Anxiety: Strategies for Overcoming Fear of the Dentist

Dental anxiety is a widespread issue, affecting many adults who may avoid regular dental checkups and even visits to the dentist when they have a toothache. This avoidance can lead to serious oral health problems. We understand that overcoming this fear is crucial to a proactive, preventive approach to preserving a healthy smile.

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Over half the adults in the United States have some level of fear related to seeing a dentist, with many avoiding the dentist altogether. At Red Oak Dentistry, we understand these fears and are here to help. We carefully explain every procedure, make our patients active participants in any healthcare decisions, and take steps to ensure pain-free treatment.

Steps You Can Take to Overcome Dental Anxiety

While we’re here to support you, overcoming dental anxiety is a journey that you play a crucial role in. If fear is preventing you from getting the oral health care you deserve, consider these tips for reducing your anxiety. You have the power to take control of your dental anxiety.

Talk to Us

Don’t be embarrassed about dental anxiety. If you are anxious about an upcoming procedure, be sure to tell us so we can explain the procedure in detail, allay any concerns, and answer your questions. Having more information removes the unknown, giving you less to worry about.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Before you visit our office, try meditation or simple relaxation techniques to calm your nerves. Stretches, controlled breathing exercises, or guided meditation are all helpful in reducing anxiety.

Bring a Supportive Friend

Bringing a friend with you as emotional support can be very effective. While you’re waiting, they can hold your hand, chat with you to distract you from the upcoming procedure, or simply be by your side. Knowing they are as close as the waiting room while you undergo a procedure can be very reassuring.

Listen to Music

We encourage our patients to bring headphones and their favorite music to listen to during many procedures. Listening to relaxing tunes helps pass the time quickly and takes your mind off the dental procedure. Close your eyes and drift away!

Bring a Fidget Spinner or Worry Beads

Fidget spinners aren’t just for those with ADHD or who have difficulty concentrating. Studies have shown that anyone who is feeling stressed can benefit from having something repetitive to do with their hands. Fidget spinners, worry beads, komboloi, stress balls, or any other small, handheld object that you can use to calm yourself through repetitive motions will give you a focus other than worrying and redirect your focus.

Ask Us About Sedation Dentistry

If your level of dental anxiety is likely to interfere with our ability to treat any dental issues properly, ask us about sedation dentistry. We offer sedation options to relax you and relieve your anxiety so that we can perform your dental work quickly and effectively.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Dr. King and his staff are always here to help. They understand the challenges of dental anxiety and are committed to working with patients who suffer from it. You can rely on their patience, compassion, and understanding to minimize your fears and transform your dread of the dentist into a positive experience.