How To Ease Your Dental Anxiety?

Dental fear can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or dental history. It can stem from a bad dental experience or from hearing someone else’s story. Dental fear can persist for years, causing individuals to avoid the dentist altogether. But, the longer you avoid the dentist, the higher risk you are of developing dental issues. Listed below are some tips to ease dental fear.

• Communicate with your dental team

Make sure you communicate with your dental team. Your smile is unique, and your dentist knows the best way to care for your teeth and gums. For example, some people may feel more comfortable with another means of anesthesia during dental procedures. If you are worried about discomfort during a procedure, talk to your dentist about your concerns, and they can offer alternatives to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatment.

• Learn what to expect during your appointment

Your dentist will walk you through your treatment step by step and answer any questions you have before getting started. They’ll also ensure your comfort throughout the process. They’ll use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area of your mouth, so you won’t feel anything during your procedure. If you are receiving multiple treatments in one visit, your dentist can discuss all the procedures with you beforehand, so you know what to expect.

Once you’re comfortable, the dentist will begin working on your teeth. Be sure to speak up if at any point you feel uncomfortable or want a break so you can check in with your dentist right away. Treatment can last a few hours, depending on the number of affected teeth being treated.

Once your treatment is finished, your dentist will give instructions for aftercare. You may need to schedule a follow-up appointment for restorative work like fillings or dental crowns. Otherwise, you can care for your smile at home with brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and exams.

• Relax with sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a technique that increases a patient’s comfort during dental procedures. Avoiding the dentist due to fear of pain, discomfort, or embarrassment is common. Simple anxiety over visiting the dentist can be magnified to an overwhelming level for many patients who experience extreme panic and anxiety at the mere sight of a dentist’s office. With sedation dentistry, you can rest easy knowing that your procedure will be as comfortable and painless as possible.

There are several methods of sedation available to patients, including Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. A special medication is taken orally prior to treatment in order to make you feel calm and relaxed throughout your appointment. Oral conscious sedation is similar to nitrous oxide in that a pill is administered, but the patient must wait to take this medication until approximately one hour before their appointment. This allows time for the pill to take effect while your dentist is able to work quickly and efficiently. Once the effects of this medicine take effect and you are in a state of calm relaxation, the dentist can begin your procedure.

To find out more about the dental services offered by our dentist in Albuquerque, NM, call (505)-293-7611 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 4830 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, Ste. K, Albuquerque, NM, 87111.