Are you afraid of the dentist? If you are nodding your head vigorously or you are lost in deep thought not wanting to admit it, don’t worry, because you are not alone. The “Journal of Dental Hygiene” indicates that anywhere between 50% and 80% of adults in the United States have some degree of dental anxiety. That statistic may come across as a bit staggering. 

After all, if that many people have dental anxiety, then how is anyone able to maintain their oral health? The answer is all in the comfort provided at the dentist’s office and in that dental chair. 

There is a solution for adults who are afraid of the dentist. 

There are many reasons why adults (and children) are afraid of the dentist. In some cases, especially in older patients, it is because they had a traumatic experience at the dentist when they were younger. Sometimes, dental anxiety doesn’t have a direct cause. Fear of the dentist can occur because it makes you feel out of control, your significant other fears the dentist, or you have seen something on television or in the media that makes you nervous. 

The most common reasons people feel dental anxiety are due to:

• An embarrassment of the condition of their mouth and gums.
• Low tolerance for pain and a linked assumption that going to the dentist is painful.
• Concerns about the invasion of their personal space.
• Worries about the side effects of anesthesia.
• Fear of needles and the possibility of needing an injection during dental treatment.
• The sound of the drill and the vibrations it makes.
• Dislike of being out of control.

Regardless of the reason, however, your dentist can help you overcome those fears by making your visit to the dentist’s office more comfortable. And, most of the above fears will quickly subside when you go to the right dentist.

If you have dental anxiety or are afraid of the dentist, the first thing to do is to let your dentist know. Once your dentist knows how you are feeling, they can take extra steps and precautions to make your experience in the dental chair not only more comfortable but more enjoyable too. But, aside from the things your dentist can do to make you feel better, there are some coping mechanisms that you can employ as well.

Coping Tips for Those Afraid of the Dentist 

If you have a fear of the dentist, consider these 6 helpful strategies to help with dental anxiety.

1. Seek out a dental practice, such as Compass Dental Group, that is well-versed in helping patients overcome their dental fears.
2. Ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry can help you feel calm, at ease, and relaxed during your time in the dentist’s chair.
3. Laughter can be the best medicine. At Compass Dental Group, we love to joke, laugh, and have fun while staying focused on your dental treatment. 
4. Call on a family member or friend. Ask someone you trust to accompany you on your next trip to the dentist. Sometimes, having someone familiar with you can help you to relax.
5. Learn about the modern dental technologies offered by your dentist. Ask about technology such as same-day crown technology, laser dentistry, intraoral scanners, and digital X-rays. All of this technology can aid your dentist in providing a more accurate diagnosis, high-quality care, and a better dental experience.
6. Ask questions about your dental procedure. At Compass Dental Group, we believe in open communication and dialogue with our patients. We will explain our treatments to you and make sure that you are a partner in the process.

Come see how Compass Dental Group can help you be less afraid of the dentist.

If you are looking for a new dentist in Maryville, MO, you have come to the right place. We will help make your next appointment stress-free so that you can have the smile you have always wanted. The first step to getting over your fear of the dentist is to make an appointment with Compass Dental Group. Simply complete our online form or give our office a call. 

We look forward to seeing you and helping you say, “I’m no longer afraid of the dentist.”