The prevalence of dental anxiety exceeds many people’s expectations. UK research indicates that dental fear affects more than fifty percent of adults but twelve percent suffer from severe dental anxiety.
The overwhelming dental anxiety stemming from drill noises or painful experiences causes people to skip necessary dental visits and treatments.
The good news? Several proven techniques exist that will enable you to control and defeat your fear.
Understand the Root of Your Anxiety
To confront your fear you need to identify its root causes. Do needles cause you fear or do you experience anxiety due to pain and loss of control?
Did you endure a traumatic event in your life before? You and your dentist can develop an effective treatment plan when you understand your particular dental concerns.
A lot of people experience substantial relief from the simple act of sharing their fears with someone else.
Choose the Right Dentist
It is essential to select a dentist who is aware of dental anxiety issues. Seek out local dental practices that promote anxiety-friendly services or “gentle dentistry” options.
Staff training for managing nervous patients is now a common feature at many dental clinics throughout the UK.
Read reviews and call the clinic to ask questions before booking an initial consultation where
you can talk about your concerns with no treatment needed.
Communicate Openly
At your appointment booking and again upon arrival at the dental office tell your dentist and dental nurse about your anxiety.
Your dental team will value your honesty about your anxiety and will implement additional measures to ensure your comfort.
Dental teams can help anxious patients by clearly explaining procedures, applying numbing gel before injections, and permitting breaks during treatment.
Bring a Friend or Use Distractions
Having a trusted person accompany you to your appointment can offer emotional support while increasing your sense of safety.
Most dental practices permit family members or friends to accompany patients for support during their appointments.
You have the option to use headphones for calming music or podcasts during treatment but make sure to confirm with your dentist beforehand.
Certain clinics distract patients by installing ceiling TVs while others provide virtual reality headsets.
Consider Sedation Options
Consider sedation dentistry if your anxiety levels become too intense. The UK’s NHS and private dental clinics provide conscious sedation methods including oral sedatives, laughing gas (nitrous oxide), and intravenous sedation.
These methods provide deep relaxation while you stay alert and responsive. A hospital setting may provide general anaesthesia as an option for extreme cases.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Basic breathing exercises offer substantial benefits for reducing anxiety. Take a four-count breath in slowly, then hold that breath for another four counts before exhaling over four counts.
The days before your appointment are a good time to practice mindfulness exercises and guided meditation to change your mindset.
Several patients experience positive results from progressive muscle relaxation techniques both before their appointments and during them.
Start with Short, Simple Visits
If you haven’t visited a dentist for an extended period, begin with short and simple visits. Set up an appointment for either a check-up or consultation without any treatment procedures.
A series of positive dental experiences will help you develop confidence while lessening your dental visit anxiety.
You should start with basic dental procedures and you can move towards more complex ones as you see fit.
Take Advantage of NHS Support
The NHS understands dental anxiety and offers supportive resources for patients.
Talk to your GP about potential therapy options including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which proves to be highly effective against dental phobia.
NHS dental practices provide specialized services and sedation options for patients who experience nervousness so you should not be afraid to ask about them.