You know you’re supposed to visit your dentist regularly. But getting that appointment on the calendar can be tough — and not just because of your busy schedule.
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Whether it’s the sterile smell, the buzzing and drilling sounds in the background, or the thought of someone being up close and personal in your mouth, going to the dentist can be unpleasant and stress-inducing. In fact, as many as1 in 3 peoplereport experiencing anxiety about dental appointments.
If that sounds like you, there are ways to minimize and manage your unease, says dentistBetty Haberkamp, DDS.
What is dental anxiety?
What does dental anxiety feel like? According to Dr. Haberkamp, dental anxiety is when you have an uneasiness or worry about an upcoming dental appointment.
“Dental anxiety is less severe than dental phobia,” she clarifies. “While a person with dental anxiety might be uncomfortable going to the dentist, they’re not cancelling appointments or getting physically sick over them.”
How to deal with dental anxiety
If you’re wondering whether you should talk with your dental provider about your fears and worries, the answer is definitely yes. If your provider knows what your fears are, they can better work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable.
Here are some strategies to help you cope:
- Ask your dental provider to explain what’s happening at every stage of the appointment or procedure so you can mentally prepare for what’s to come.
- Establish a stop signal, such as raising your hand, to let your provider know that you’d like them to stop what they’re doing immediately. Use it if you become uncomfortable, want to rinse your mouth or need to catch your breath.
- “If sounds are the issue, we frequently tell people to use earbuds to listen to their favorite music,” Dr. Haberkamp suggests. “We’ll tap them on the shoulder if we need their attention.”
- If your anxiety is severe, your dentist might recommend using nitrous oxide gas or IV sedation to help calm it.
Why do people fear the dentist?
There are a number of reasons people avoid the dentist, including:
- A painful or unpleasant past experience.Dental fear oftenstarts in childhood. It could stem from an unpleasant or painful past experience at the dentist, or from horror stories people hear from others or the media. Thanks to the many advances in dentistry made over the years, most of today’s dental procedures involve considerably less pain and often none at all.
- Fear of needles.When it comes to dental procedures, many people areterrified of needles. Others fear that the anesthesia won’t work on them or that it won’t kick in before the procedure begins.
- Fear of dental impressions. Biting down on runny goop that slowly hardens around your teeth used to be the only way to get night guards, sleep appliances, study models and other orthodontic procedures done. Not so anymore! “The runny materials of the past can now be replaced with digital technology,” Dr. Haberkamp says. “Many dentists now have 3D scanners which can completely eliminate the need for impression materials in most cases.”
- Embarrassment.Whether they let a toothache linger for too long or feel embarrassed about their teeth, some people fear being judged or shamed by their dentist. Or they might feel afraid of getting bad news.
- Loss of control.Many people are uncomfortable with the dentist or hygienist working so physically close to their face.Others feel self-conscious or out of control when they’re sitting in a dentist’s chair with mouth wide open, unable to see what’s going on.
What is dental phobia?
If you’re panic-stricken or terrified at the thought of a dental cleaning or procedure, that could be a sign of dental phobia. People with a dental phobia do everything possible to avoid going to the dentist — perhaps only going when extreme issues force them to. They know that this fear is irrational but are unable to do much to change it.
Other signs of dental phobia include:
- Trouble sleeping the night before a dentist appointment.
- A nervous feeling that gets worse in the dentist’s waiting room.
- Getting to the dentist’s office but being unable to enter.
- Crying or being physically ill at the very thought of visiting the dentist.
If you’re still experiencing dental anxiety, or even dental phobia, you might benefit from working with a behavioral health provider.
FAQs
Many people find it helpful to do stretches, meditation, or deep controlled breathing. If you suffer from extreme anxiety, you may want to call up your dentist and ask about what type of sedation techniques may be appropriate to help you relax further.
What helps with dental anxiety? ›
Many people find it helpful to do stretches, meditation, or deep controlled breathing. If you suffer from extreme anxiety, you may want to call up your dentist and ask about what type of sedation techniques may be appropriate to help you relax further.
How to deal with anxious patients as a dentist? ›
Putting anxious patients in control of the appointment, such as allowing them to dictate start and stop times, can help relax their mental state. Physical relaxation is part of the equation as well, with breathing techniques, pleasant aromas, and calming music all playing a role.
How to overcome dentophobia? ›
This phobia can also affect your self-confidence and relationships. Healthcare providers and your dentist can help you overcome your fear of going to the dentist. Many techniques, including exposure therapy, guided imagery and relaxation techniques, can reduce your anxiety and improve your quality of life.
How to tell a dentist about anxiety? ›
Tell your dentist about your anxiety. When you book your appointment, tell the receptionist you're nervous about dental visits. Remind the dentist and dental staff about your anxiety when you arrive. Share any bad experiences you may have had in the past, and ask for suggestions on coping strategies.
What is the best sedative for dental anxiety? ›
For dental procedures of moderate length (1–2 hours), triazolam (Halcion), a short-acting benzodiazepine, in the dose of 0.125–0.5 mg, can be given 1 hour before the procedure. Triazolam is a popular choice among clinicians due to its anxiolytic, hypnotic, and amnesic effects, which are desirable in dental patients.
How can I relax myself at the dentist? ›
Distraction techniques such as listening to music or an audiobook, playing a game on your phone, or focusing on a specific object in the room can help take your mind off the procedure and reduce anxiety.
Is dental anxiety a mental illness? ›
Dental phobia is an extreme, persistent, and unrealistic fear or terror related to going to the dentist. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-V) recognizes dental phobia as a specific type of phobia.
How to relax your tongue at the dentist? ›
Simply put, proper tongue positioning occurs when someone gently rests their tongue on the roof of the mouth and away from the teeth.
Can a dentist put you to sleep to pull a tooth? ›
Yes, in some cases. General anesthesia in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center may be necessary when treating young children, adults with special needs or people with severe dental anxiety. General anesthesia is a type of unconscious sedation. In other words, you'll be completely unconscious during the procedure.
However, no good dentist will judge you on the state of your teeth. There are some very good reasons why that's the case; if you aren't convinced, here are just a few.
How common is dental anxiety? ›
Dental anxiety, or dental fear, is estimated to affect approximately 36% of the population, with a further 12% suffering from extreme dental fear [1].
What is domatophobia? ›
Domatophobia. In psychiatry, the term is also more narrowly used to indicate a phobia of the contents of a house: "fear of household appliances, equipment, bathtubs, household chemicals, and other common objects in the home." In contrast, domatophobia specifically refers to the fear of a house itself.
Should I tell my dentist I'm scared? ›
Tell your oral healthcare professional
If fear is holding you back, it's important to talk about it with your dentist. It may help them understand what makes you so scared and how best to support you during an appointment. In fact, dentists are trained to handle even the most sensitive cases of dental anxiety.
What is the difference between dental fear and dental anxiety? ›
Dental fear and dental anxiety are different psychological states for patients. Dental anxiety is a reaction to feeling danger or apprehension in dental situations; on the other hand, fear is generally regarded as a physiological, behavioral and emotional response to a feared stimulus.
When to take Xanax before a dental procedure? ›
Anxiety Medications Used for Sedation Dentistry
In this type of sedation, valium or Xanax are sometimes given the night before the procedure (such as the root canal procedure). Then, about an hour before the visit a Halcion is taken.
Why can I feel my anxiety in my teeth? ›
Anxiety often causes teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism). This pressure can lead to enamel wear, tooth fractures, and cracks, resulting in tooth sensitivity and sometimes radiating tooth pain. Some studies suggest higher bruxism rates among stressed individuals than among those without stress.
How do I calm down before tooth extraction? ›
Here are some ways that you can prepare yourself:
- Speak with Your Dentist – This is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to calming your anxiety. ...
- Learn About Tooth Extraction – ...
- Prepare for Post-Op Care – ...
- Talk to Your Friends and Family – ...
- Breathing Exercises – ...
- Visualization – ...
- Distraction – ...
- Exercise –
Whether it's through oral medication, inhalation sedation, or intravenous (IV) sedation, these methods allow patients to feel at ease during their dental procedures. By reducing anxiety and fear, sedation dentistry creates a more comfortable environment for patients.
