Dental anxiety affects many people. While some people may experience some apprehension about visiting the dentist, others may be so uncomfortable about a dental visit that they will avoid making an appointment altogether. While this may keep their dental phobia at bay, putting off dental visits can have serious implications. Tooth decay and tooth loss, gum disease, and serious complications can result.
Dental anxiety and dental phobias have different causes. Some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of another person’s hands in their mouth, or with someone working so close to them. Others may not like the feeling that they have lost control while sitting in the dentist’s chair, while some people may be nervous about the potential discomfort from a procedure. People may also be embarrassed about the condition of their teeth.
You should not let fear or anxiety keep you from seeing the dentist. When you make your appointment, let the dentist and her staff know that you suffer from dental anxiety or a dental phobia. There are steps that can be taken to help you feel at ease during your visit.
You should discuss your procedure with the dentist before it begins. Knowing what is going to happen during your appointment may help take some of the anxiety out of your visit. You can also create a signal for you to give if you need to take a break during your treatment. If pain is a concern, talk with your dentist about options for anesthesia. Nitrous oxide is a safe and easy way to help you relax during your treatment, and your dentist can explain more about how it works.
If you have been avoiding your dental appointments because of dental anxiety, let Dr. Nathalie Dowsett and her staff know. At Dowsett Dental Health we’re dedicated to making sure that you are comfortable during your visit, and we want to work with you to make that happen. If you live in the Calgary, Alberta area, call 403.229.0510 today!