Regular visits to the dentist are important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but dental anxiety, which is unease about dental appointments, prevents some people from going to the dentist. Dental anxiety is a common problem, affecting up to36 percent of the population.

Rather than putting off visits, here’s a look at ways to deal with dental anxiety, along with some symptoms and causes.

DENTAL ANXIETY TREATMENT AND COPING OPTIONS

Dental anxiety can affect people of all ages. Here are several coping mechanisms that will help ease your fears and get you back in the dental chair.

Communicate your concerns to your dentist

Do not hesitate to raise your concerns with your dentist. He can take steps to make the process easier. He can walk you through each step from start to finish, so you know what to expect. He or she can also recommend techniques to help you relax and feel more comfortable during the appointment.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you understand the procedure, you will feel less anxiety.

Breathing exercises

Deep breathing exercises can relax your mind and help you feel calmer.

Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat this exercise several times.

Meditation and muscle relaxation

Anxiety can get worse while sitting in the waiting room or once you get into the dental chair. In this situation, meditation is a simple practice to reduce stress and promote calm.

It is a state of heightened awareness, concentration and muscle relaxation that you can achieve anywhere, even at your dentist.

Once seated, close your eyes or stare at an object, then allow your body to completely relax. Pay attention to different parts of your body and make a conscious effort to release tension, relaxing your entire body, from head to toe.

You can meditate before and during your appointment to stay calm and focused.

Guided imagery

Another technique is to visualize happy thoughts while sitting in the dentist’s chair. Go to your “happy place” and think about fun or positive memories from the past. Nostalgia can help you feel happier, which can calm and relax your mind.

Hypnosis

Hypnotherapy involves silencing the conscious mind and creating a state of calm. This guided relaxation practice helps you achieve a trance state, from which a hypnotherapist uses the power of suggestion to reduce your anxiety. It is important to note that a hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything that you would not want to do yourself.

Distraction

Having a distraction in the dental office can also relieve anxiety. Discuss this with your dentist in advance. See if you can watch TV or a movie during your date, or maybe wear headphones and listen to music.

Accompany a friend

The support of a parent or friend could calm you down. Ask your dentist if someone can accompany you into the exam room. Even if you can’t talk to this person during your appointment, their presence can help you feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

Analgesia

This is a type of medicine used to relieve pain. You can find these medications over the counter, but they are also used during dental appointments to relieve pain and reduce moderate anxiety.

Dentists typically use nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, which is a colorless, odorless gas that you breathe in before or during the procedure. Check with your dental insurance to see if it covers nitrous oxide. Some plans do not cover this benefit.

Medications to Relieve Anxiety

For moderate anxiety, some dentists may prescribe a short-acting anti-anxiety medication to help reduce anxiety before an appointment. You will take the medication at least one hour before your visit.

Conscious sedation

Conscious sedation is an option for cases of moderate to severe anxiety. This involves taking an oral sedative a few hours before your dentist appointment. This is not a general anesthetic, so you will not be asleep during the appointment. You will remain conscious and responsive, but in a very relaxed state.

General anesthesia

This involves complete falling asleep or loss of consciousness during the dental procedure, and is an option for cases of severe dental anxiety.

Remember that dental anesthesia is sometimes administered in a hospital setting by an anesthesiologist. Some dental offices may perform general anesthesia, but only when the dentist has received specialized training.

If you have dental insurance, check with your provider to see if they cover general anesthesia. Some plans do not cover this benefit.