Dental Anxiety | Mississauga, ON, Dentist

Are You Anxious About Visiting the Dentist?

Are you one of the countless individuals who dread stepping into a dental office? If so, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common obstacle that prevents many anxious patients from receiving essential oral care. However, at East Credit Dental, we do what we can to be sure patients feel comfortable in our dental office.

To schedule an appointment with our Mississauga, ON, dentist, call us today at (905) 567-1132.

What Is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety, also known as dental phobia or dental fear, can lead to avoidance of dental treatment. When some hear the words “dental appointment,” feelings of unease and apprehension often arise. But why do so many of us experience this fear?

Various tools, such as the Dental Anxiety Scale, are used to measure the level of anxiety patients experience in dental settings.

Symptoms of dental anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as increased blood pressure, pulse rate, and self-reporting anxiety and fear scales. Dental anxiety can have a detrimental impact on our oral health, leading to a vicious cycle of:

• Dental pain
• Health issues
• Heightened anxiety
• The need for more complex and costly dental treatments

Causes of dental anxiety

Dental anxiety can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:

• Past negative experiences
• Fear of pain
• Loss of control
• Sensory triggers

The dental chair itself can be a significant source of anxiety for many patients, as it often represents a place of vulnerability and discomfort.

Recognizing Your Fears

Recognizing your fears is the first step in overcoming dental anxiety. It’s essential to understand why you’re afraid of going to the dentist. Is it the fear of pain, the unknown, or a past traumatic experience? Identifying the root of your fear can help you take steps to move past it. By acknowledging your fears, you can begin to address them and develop strategies to cope with dental anxiety.

Symptoms of Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety manifests in various ways, making dental visits challenging for both patients and dentists. Some common symptoms of dental anxiety include:

• Elevated pulse rate
• Perspiration
• Fainting during a dental visit
• Feelings of panic, dread, or embarrassment
• Avoidance of dental appointments
• Inability to cooperate adequately with dental professionals during treatment

In cases of severe anxiety, patients may experience extreme panic and avoidance behaviors that significantly impact their ability to receive dental care.

Dental Anxiety’s Impact on Oral Health

The consequences of how dental anxiety affects individuals go beyond mere discomfort; it can negatively impact our oral health. When individuals avoid necessary dental care due to anxiety, they risk developing more severe dental issues over time. Research has shown that anxiety can lead to avoidance of dental care, contributing to a vicious cycle of dental pain, health issues, increased anxiety, and the need for more complex and expensive dental treatments.

Breaking this cycle and giving priority to dental care is imperative. Developing effective coping mechanisms and seeking professional help can help individuals maintain their oral health and overcome their fears.

Open Communication With Your Dentist

Sharing Fears

Openly discussing your dental fears helps create trust within the dental practice, particularly with our Mississauga dentist, Dr. John Inigo. Discussing your concerns and past experiences can help us understand the source of your anxiety and address your fears accordingly. Friends and family members can also provide support by lending an ear to your concerns and offering encouragement.

Establishing Trust

A trusting relationship between a patient and dentist is pivotal for effective treatment. It allows the patient to feel more content and protected and allows the dentist to provide the highest quality of care. A dentist can foster trust by being forthright with the patient, attentively hearing their concerns, and clearly explaining the treatment plan.

Building trust with your dentist can lead to a more comfortable dental experience, enhanced communication, and a better understanding of the treatment plan.

Customizing Treatment Plans

A tailored treatment plan is crucial for dealing with dental anxiety. In collaboration with our dentist, we can devise a plan that caters to your individual needs and preferences. This may involve discussing alternative treatment options or simply agreeing on a signal to pause the dental procedure if you need a break.

Tailored treatment plans help create a sense of control and comfort during dental procedures, reducing anxiety and fostering a more positive dental experience.

Self-Help Techniques for Managing Dental Phobia

Mindfulness Exercises

Mindfulness exercises focus on being present in the moment and fostering a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress, enhance concentration, and foster well-being.

Examples of mindfulness exercises include body scan meditation, mindful eating, and breathing exercises. By incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine, you can alleviate dental anxiety and promote a more relaxed state of mind during dental appointments.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation is one of several relaxation techniques that can reduce stress and anxiety. This method tenses and relaxes different muscle groups in the body, promoting a greater sense of relaxation. To practice progressive muscle relaxation, simply tense and relax the muscles in your feet, then progress up the body, tensing and relaxing each muscle group.

Regular practice of progressive muscle relaxation can help you feel more relaxed during dental appointments and alleviate severe anxiety.

Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations are concise declarations or mantras that are repeated to oneself to foster positive thinking and self-confidence. They can help replace negative thoughts with positive ones, reducing anxiety during dental appointments. Examples of positive affirmations include “I am strong and capable,” “I am worthy of love and respect,” and “I am open to new opportunities”.

Guided Imagery and Visualization

Guided imagery and visualization are powerful tools for managing dental anxiety. These techniques involve using your imagination to create a peaceful and relaxing environment. By visualizing a calm and serene atmosphere, you can reduce your anxiety levels and feel more comfortable during dental appointments. Guided imagery can be done with the help of a therapist or by listening to guided imagery recordings. You can also practice visualization techniques on your own by imagining yourself in a peaceful place, such as a beach or a forest.

Professional Help for Severe Dental Anxiety

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a psychotherapeutic intervention that has been demonstrated to be highly effective in managing dental anxiety. CBT helps individuals recognize and dispute their unfavorable thoughts and beliefs concerning dental visits and develop more adaptive coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for managing anxiety disorders, including those related to dental visits.

Anti-anxiety Medications: Anti-anxiety medications can help reduce anxiety and provide immediate relief for those experiencing severe dental anxiety. These medications include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan). However, while anti-anxiety medications may offer temporary relief, they shouldn’t be considered a long-term solution. Combining medication with therapy, such as CBT, can lead to more sustainable results in managing dental anxiety.

Anxiety-Relieving Medication

Anxiety-relieving medication can be an effective way to manage dental anxiety. There are several types of medications available, including benzodiazepines and anti-anxiety medications. These medications can help calm your nerves and reduce your anxiety levels. However, it’s essential to consult with your dentist or a medical professional before taking any medication. They can help you determine the best course of treatment and ensure that the medication is safe for you to take.

Systematic Desensitization or Exposure Therapy

Systematic desensitization or exposure therapy is a type of therapy that involves gradually exposing you to the feared situation, in this case, going to the dentist. This therapy can help you become comfortable with the idea of going to the dentist and reduce your anxiety levels. The therapy typically involves creating a hierarchy of situations that trigger anxiety, starting with the least anxiety-provoking situation. You’ll work with a therapist to gradually expose yourself to each situation, starting with the least anxiety-provoking one.

Cognitive Therapy and Positive Reinforcement

Cognitive therapy and positive reinforcement are effective techniques for managing dental anxiety. Cognitive therapy involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding yourself for facing your fears and completing dental appointments. By using these techniques, you can change your mindset and develop a more positive attitude towards going to the dentist. Cognitive therapy can be done with the help of a therapist or by practicing cognitive-behavioral techniques on your own.

Creating a Comfortable Dental Environment

Calming Atmosphere

A tranquil atmosphere in the dental practice can be achieved through:

• Gentle lighting
• Comfortable seating
• Relaxing music
• Decor that’s pleasing to the eye
• The use of aromatherapy

By providing warm, welcoming, comfortable dental offices, patients can feel more at ease and less anxious during their appointments.

Distraction Techniques

Distraction strategies can be used to minimize stress and anxiety during dental procedures. Music distraction and visual diversion are two techniques that can be used to help take a patient’s mind off of a procedure. Technology options such as background music, television sets, computer games, and 2-D and 3-D video glasses for watching movies can also be utilized.

Support from Friends or Family Members

Having a friend or family member present during dental appointments can help alleviate dental anxiety. Their presence can generate feelings of comfort and ease, divert one from negative thoughts, and provide emotional support. By bringing support to dental appointments, patients can feel more relaxed and less anxious during their treatment.

Alternative Dental Treatments for Patients With Dental Anxiety

Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry uses lasers to treat various dental conditions. This method is considered less painful and more efficient for certain treatments compared to traditional techniques. By using laser dentistry, patients with dental anxiety can experience reduced discomfort and a more comfortable dental experience.

Air Abrasion

Air abrasion uses alumina powder streams to remove decay and debris from teeth. This method is less invasive than traditional drilling techniques and can decrease the need for anesthesia and shorten the duration of the dental appointment. Patients with dental anxiety can benefit from air abrasion as it provides a more comfortable and less invasive dental treatment option.

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a pharmacological intervention that can effectively manage severe dental anxiety during dental procedures. Options such as conscious sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia can help patients feel more relaxed during treatment.

Dental phobia, classified within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, highlights the psychological aspects of these fears and their impact on patients.

For individuals experiencing severe dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can provide a more comfortable and less stressful dental experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Overcome Your Dental Fears Today!

Overcoming dental anxiety is possible with the right approach and support. Remember, taking charge of your dental health is not only essential for your oral well-being but also for your quality of life.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. John Inigo, contact our Mississauga dental office today by calling (905) 567-1132.