Do you panic every time you imagine visiting the dentist? You're not alone. In fact, 36% of Americans fear dental treatment.

Visiting a dentist for people with anxiety can make all the difference. They'll provide anxiety-free dental care to ensure you receive treatment. Otherwise, you could unintentionally compromise your oral health. 

Searching for more fear-of-the-dentist solutions? Read on!

Finding a Gentle Dentist

While there are over 181,400 dental businesses in the US, not every dentist has experience offering dental anxiety treatment. Prioritize finding a gentle dentist to ensure they can meet your needs.

Start your search by talking to friends and family members in the area. Ask if they can recommend a local dentist. Determine if those dentists offer anxiety-free dental care.

Learn about each patient's experience at the clinic before your first appointment. Consider asking:

• Where is the practice located?
• What are the dentist's credentials?
• Is the staff kind and patient?
• Are you satisfied with the care you received?
• What services do they offer?
• Do they offer sedation dentistry services?

You can also find patient reviews online. Visit each dentist's Healthgrades profile or Better Business Bureau page. Otherwise, check Yelp and Google Business.

Find a family dentist that has an established, positive reputation. You'll feel more confident choosing a dentist locals already know and love. 

Learn more about each dentist's experience and level of expertise. Their Healthgrades profile can give you insight into their education and training.

Once you narrow down your options, schedule a consultation appointment at two or three local practices. Prepare a list of questions you want to ask about the dentist's experience and general dentistry services.

Ask how they provide patients with anxiety-free dental care. The dentist may recommend sedation dentistry or relaxation techniques.

After these consultations, consider your comfort level when speaking with each dentist. Choose a compassionate, experienced team that knows how to ease your anxiety. If you have children, determine if they offer pediatric dental care.

Determine the Root Cause

Recognizing the main root of your dental anxiety could help you overcome it. Common worries behind dental anxiety include:

• "It's going to hurt."
• Bad experiences in the past
• Feelings of helplessness 
• Embarrassment about your oral health
• Anxieties about the cost
• Fear of anesthesia not working
• Fear of side effects
• History of generalized anxiety disorder
• Fear of drilling or needles
• Discomfort over the invasion of personal space
• Trust issues

Talk to your dentist about your previous dental experiences. They can recognize the triggers you've encountered in the past. They can provide a customized patient experience to help you avoid those triggers. 

Practice Anxiety-Free Dental Care at Home

Prioritizing your oral health care at home can help you avoid serious oral health issues. These include cavities and gingivitis, which can compromise your overall health. Preventive dentistry can reduce your need for extensive treatments and additional dental appointments.

Requiring a complex dental procedure could make your dental anxiety worse. Instead, follow your dentist's at-home care instructions.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily. This will reduce the development of plaque.

Plaque is a tacky, clear substance that can stick to and between your teeth. If left unattended, plaque can harden into tartar, which only a professional teeth cleaning can remove.

Plaque and tartar can release acid in your mouth, eroding your protective tooth enamel. As a result, you could develop a cavity.

Neglecting your oral hygiene can lead to gingivitis (gum disease). Your gums may bleed or feel swollen due to inflammation. Without treatment, your teeth could become loose or fall out.

Your dentist can help you avoid these oral health issues. Talk to them about preventive dentistry treatments, such as fluoride treatments and sealants. 

Use Relaxation Techniques

Before your appointment, talk to your dentist about relaxation techniques you can use at home. Here are a few that may help relieve your anxiety.

Meditation

If you feel tense before your dental appointment, try meditating. Meditation can promote calmness. It can relax your muscles while improving your focus and awareness.

Find a comfortable place to sit and close your eyes. From your head to your toes, imagine each part of your body melting into the chair. Take slow, deep breaths as you try to relax the tension throughout your body.

You can meditate before your appointment or while you're sitting in the dentist's chair. If you need a guide, apps are available. 

Distraction

Focusing on a nearby distraction could redirect your anxiety. Consider:

• Listening to music
• Talking to a friend
• Watching TV or a movie

Consider bringing a friend to your appointment. Choose someone who always makes you feel calm. They can talk to you while you're in the dentist's chair to help you feel at ease. 

Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises could help you remain calm during your appointment. Close your eyes and inhale deeply through your nose. Hold your breath for a few seconds before exhaling through your mouth.

Consider Medication

Talk to your dentist about the different sedation dentistry options they offer. These may include:

• Nitrous oxide
• Conscious sedation
• General anesthesia

Nitrous oxide, also called laughing or happy gas, can help you calm down while in the dentist's chair.

With this option, you'll breathe in a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a breathing mask. You'll remain relaxed and awake throughout our checkup.

If you choose conscious sedation, you'll receive medication through an IV drip. This option is also called twilight sedation. Some patients drift off into a light sleep.

Plan to have someone drive you home after your appointment. Drowsiness is a common side effect.

If you prefer to remain awake, consider general anesthesia. Common side effects include nausea. Plan to have a friend or family member drive you home. 

Visit a Dentist for People With Anxiety

Don't let your anxiety come between you and good oral health. Instead, look for a dentist for people with anxiety. Their services will ensure you receive the anxiety-free dental care you deserve. 

Trust our friendly team at Clearwater Dentist. We're committed to providing patients with high-quality care to provide healthy, beautiful smiles. 

We offer individualized care with an artistic touch to help you accomplish your dental health goals. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment.