Dental Tips: How to Deal With Dental Fear and Anxiety?

Fear is a perfectly natural human response to the threat of danger. In fact, it can be key to your survival.

But fear becomes a problem when it’s based on an irrational perception or expectation of danger that is out of proportion.

Dental anxiety is the fear people experience when going to the dentist.

It covers a broad range of fear levels.

Two people could both have dental anxiety, but one of them might get through their dental appointment just fine despite some anxiety, while the next person’s fear keeps them from being able to go to the dentist at all.

The University of Adelaide estimates that one-sixth of Australian adults and about one-tenth of children have dental anxiety!

At Warner Lakes Dental, we have a team of compassionate professionals who want to help you overcome your dental anxiety, no matter how severe it may be.

We understand how you feel and will do all we can to help ease your mind and create a positive experience for you during your visit with us.

Dealing with Dental Anxiety

Understand That Today’s Dentistry Is Safe and Gentle

Dentistry has come a long way. It’s gentler, less painful, more accurate, and uses state-of-the-art tools. But despite such advancements, many people still fear the dentist

Why?

To understand, let’s break down what dental phobia is all about:

• Fear of Pain
• Loss of control
• Past negative experiences at the dentist
• Embarrassment

Fortunately, today’s dentistry practices include gentle cleaning techniques, equipment, and medications to make sure you feel as little pain as possible.

Medications Can Banish The Pain

If you need fillings, root canals, or any other serious dental procedures, your dentist will never go forward before administering medication to control pain.

Experienced dentists use the following medications to reduce anxiety and control pain:

• Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”
• For intense teeth cleanings, your hygienist may use anesthetic gels or special patches.
• If you’re extra nervous, your dentist may recommend a sedative for your procedure.
• For fillings and other dental procedures, your dentist may inject a local anaesthetic into your gums.
• If you’re extra nervous, your dentist may recommend a sedative for your procedure.

If you have any preferences or concerns, make sure to discuss them with your Warner Lakes dentist prior to your procedure, and they will make sure to choose the proper medication.

If you do need sedative medication, be sure to have someone else available to drive you home!

For more complicated procedures, like wisdom tooth extraction, your dentist will also prescribe a pain medication for your recovery.

Stay Distracted

One of the best ways to calm your nerves is to distract yourself.

Dentist offices have books and magazines to pass the time, but you can do a lot on your own to ease your worries by making sure you keep busy in the waiting room:

• Drawing and sketching
• Smartphone games
• Crossword puzzles
• Handheld games
• Knitting and crochet
• You may want to bring a stress ball or putty to squeeze

You can also distract yourself during your cleaning or procedure by listening to music

Relaxation Techniques

Very few people really look forward to the day of their dentist appointment.

But if you’re extra nervous, try the following relaxation techniques prior to your appointment:

• Meditation
• Light walking
• Yoga
• Calming teas
• Calming bath
• Massage

You can also try visualization exercises. People often think of the ocean and visualize the air, sand, salty taste, and waves to calm their nerves.

Be Honest With Your Dentist

One negative experience can trigger the dental phobia. Embarrassment is one of the main reasons people put off going to the dentist, but your Warner dentist has seen it all. And all we want to do is help.

If you have a good relationship with your dentist, it’s much easier to talk about your dental phobia and eventually get over your fears.

You and your dentist can also discuss using a special signal to stop or slow down a procedure if you get too nervous.

The Warner Lakes Dental Care Experience

Warner Lakes Dental is a family-friendly, prevention-oriented, patient-centred dental office that offers a full range of services to our community.

Laughing/Happy Gas Sedation Dentist in Warner North Brisbane

Sedation dentist serving the local community in Warner, Brendale, Braypark, Joyner, Eatonhills, Cashmere and all North Brisbane areas.

At Warner Lakes Dental, we go above and beyond to help improve your dental care, oral health, and the appearance of your smile.

We are your partners in your dental and general health, and we want to give it to you without anxiety!

Pain Less Injection and Anaesthesia at Warner Lakes Dental

Warner Lakes Dental offers The Wand – New Latest State of the Art Technology for Pain Less Injection and Anaesthesia:

• Very comfortable
• Reduces anxiety
• Quick onset and easy to use
• Straight back to work without the numb feeling of face/lips

Beat your Dental Fear with your Trusted Warner Dentist

Warner Lakes Dental works hard to make your visit the most convenient and quickest experience possible.

From our parking lot to our dental chair, we make the entire process painless and straightforward.

From the simplest check-up to root canals, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures, Warner Lakes Dental is your partner in dental health.

We offer you and your family a chance to enjoy life with a stunning smile and healthy mouth, teeth, and gums!

For more information, call us on (07) 3448 0162 or visit us online.

We are located at Warner Lakes Medical Precinct, 1185B Old North Road in Warner.