It’s natural for most patients to experience some level of anxiety when visiting the dentist. However, extreme dental anxiety can often make getting the treatment you need difficult. If you suffer from dental anxiety in Frederick, MD, it’s important to discuss your treatment options with your dentist. Your dentist wants to make sure you get the treatment you need and will often work with you to help make your appointment calm and comforting. Depending on the source and severity of your anxiety, there are different options available to help you overcome it.
How to Deal with Dental Anxiety in Frederick, MD
While it’s normal to feel apprehensive about an upcoming dental appointment, you shouldn’t let your anxiety get in the way of proper oral care. Talking to your dentist ahead of time can help them create a treatment plan designed to tackle your anxieties and provide a calming dental experience. With the right steps, you can take control of your anxiety and get the treatment you need.
Consultations
Many patients experience occasional anxiety when it comes to a new or extensive appointment. For example, most patients tend to get anxious when facing a root canal appointment. However, the more you know about a procedure and what to expect, the more at ease you can feel during treatment. Therefore, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation prior to your appointment. During your consultation, you can ask questions and learn more about what your upcoming procedure is like. You may want to write down your questions on a piece of paper to ensure you cover everything that could be giving you anxiety.
Accommodations
Some dental anxiety comes from certain sights, sounds, or smells in the dental office. Many patients can feel fear or even panic when hearing a drill start-up or seeing a needle. If you can pinpoint the source of your anxiety, you may be able to work with your dentist to combat it. For example, if your anxiety is sound-based, you can often request headphones and music to help drown out the sound of work. Or, if your anxiety is visual-based, you may be able to wear an eye mask during treatment. Some accommodations, such as a head pillow, may get in the way of treatment. So, be sure to double-check with your dentist before you bring anything with you to your appointment.
Sedation Dentistry
For patients who have consistent or moderate and severe dental anxiety, you may be able to find comfort through sedation dentistry. Using either oral sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or general anesthesia, your dentist can often help calm your nerves during treatment. Sedation dentistry methods are safe for most patients, and dentists are required to undergo extensive training and certification to administer them. Sedation dentistry can also be a great option for patients who suffer from mobility issues and may need help relaxing during their appointments.
If you’re afraid of the dentist, the Frederick Center for Dentistry is here to help. Give us a call at 301-264-5680 to schedule a consultation and learn more about our options for overcoming dental anxiety.