Did you know that dental fear affects around 20% of the population? If you dread seeing the dentist, you are not alone. Not very many of us look forward to a dental visit, but some people avoid the dentist completely because of fear. Regular dental checkups are the best defense for your oral health and your wallet! Dental visits can relieve you from major time and money commitments down the road, so we encourage you to find a way to overcome your fear. Sedation dentistry can ease your anxiety and help you relax. Read more to find out easy ways to alleviate dental fear and how sedation dentistry in Dublin can help you get over your apprehension of the dentist.
How Can I Get Over My Fear of the Dentist?
There are a few ways you can prepare yourself for a dental visit to make the experience more relaxing and less terrifying:
- Communication: Talk to your dentist about your anxieties. You can express your concerns to create a healthy and open dialogue. You can also ask him or her for breaks during your treatment or explanation for what they are doing. This will put your mind at ease, as well as help your dentist.
- Controlled breathing: Breathe in slowly for a count of 3 and then exhale at the same pace. This will slow your heart rate and keep your mind focused on breathing rather than what your dentist is doing.
- Distraction techniques: Although you may not be able to talk, having a friend or family member talking to you during your time in the dentist chair will distract you from your fear. Listening to your favorite music will also have the same distraction effect.
What Can I Do If Nothing Helps with My Dental Fear?
If the above tips don’t work for you, sedation dentistry can help with your dental phobia.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can be inhaled through a mask to help you relax during a visit to your dentist. After the treatment, you will be given oxygen to combat the sedation effects and you will be able to drive yourself home as you won’t be impaired.
There is another form of sedation reserved for those with severe dental fear: oral sedation. You will experience a deeper sense of relaxation by taking a pill about an hour before your procedure. During oral sedation you will still be conscious and able to answer questions, but you won’t have memories of what happened after the procedure. For this form of sedation, make sure you have someone to drive you to and from the dentist’s office.
If our tips for overcoming your dental fear aren’t working, ask your trusted dentist in Dublin about sedation and which method could be right for you.
About the Practice
Dr. Eric Buck and Dr. Hannah Burton are both native Ohioans. They enjoy providing the best care and services to the people of Dublin. They are both active members of the American Dental Association and Ohio Dental Association. They currently practice at Distinctive Smiles of Dublin where they are ready to help you overcome your fear of the dentist. For any questions, they can be contacted by phone at (614) 792-1800.