North Vancouver Dentist: How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Dental Bonding Procedure in North Vancouver | Peak Dental Arts

Does the mere thought of visiting the dentist make your palms sweaty and your heart pound? If so, you could be suffering from dental anxiety. 

Dental anxiety refers to the intense emotional and stressful reaction triggered by being in a dental setting. Approximately 48 to 60 percent of Canadians experience some level of stress or extreme fear of visiting the dentist. 

Potential impacts of dental anxiety 

Understanding the impact of dental anxiety is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve oral health and overall quality of life. Here are some potential ways your dental anxiety can negatively affect your life: 

Accelerated oral issues

If you avoid routine checkups, minor issues could become severe. If left untreated, conditions such as cavities and plaque build-up could lead to infections, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. 

Negative impact on overall health

Your fear of seeing a dental health professional could have far-reaching consequences on your overall well-being. Poor oral health has been linked to other health conditions including heart disease, stroke,  and chronic inflammation. It has also been linked to premature delivery and low birth weight in babies.

Increased cost of care

When dental issues are untreated, they could lead to more complex procedures in the future. Given the invasive nature of these treatment plans, your bill will be considerably higher when compared to seeking treatment early.  

How can you overcome your dental anxiety? 

Conquering your fear may seem like a mammoth task. However, there are options to ease your tension and build positive associations with dental care. Taking a proactive approach and employing the right strategies can make your visits more manageable. Here are six practical tips from North Vancouver dentists that could help you feel more comfortable at your next appointment: 

Start simple

When trying an activity that causes you to feel anxious, it’s best to go slow and test the waters. Start with simple appointments to become more comfortable with the dental office setting. You could start by booking a consultation, a basic checkup, or cleaning. Gradual exposure over time will help to reduce anxiety and make you more comfortable.  

Rely on your support system

Your friends and family could also play a role in helping you work on your dental anxiety. If you are overwhelmed by visiting your dentist, take along a friend. A support system could help you remain calm and make the experience less intimidating. 

Communicate your fears

One of the most important ways to combat your dental anxiety is to speak with your dentist about your fears. Anxiety is rooted in the fear of the unknown. Having an open and honest conversation with your dentist will help them to tailor their approach to suit your comfort level. You can also ask your dentist to explain procedures to ensure you understand what to expect.     

Use relaxation techniques

Before going to your next appointment, find a relaxation technique that you are comfortable with. This could help you remain calm and reduce discomfort during your visit. One technique that is proven to help with anxiety is deep breathing. When feeling stressed, your breathing tends to become shallow and uneven. These shallow breaths make it harder to get air into your chest cavity, making you feel more stressed and anxious. Deep breathing exercises increase airflow, thus calming the nerves and reducing stress. Another helpful technique is visualization. The visualization technique involves using your imagination to calm your mind. The next time you’re in the dentist’s chair, imagine yourself in a place that brings you peace, confidence, or motivation. This technique will help reduce your flight or fight response, which is triggered in situations of high anxiety. 

Try other distractions

Audio, visual, and physical distractions can help ease your discomfort during your next dental appointment. Research has shown that music can positively impact anxiety, so listening to your favourite playlist can help you feel more at ease. In addition, some dental offices have televisions that help provide visual distractions. For physical distractions, you can use a stress ball or fidget toy to keep your hands occupied which will help to distract you. 

Consider sedation

If all else fails or you suffer from severe dental anxiety, consider using sedation to help you through procedures. Discuss options such as nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, which can help you relax throughout your appointment. 

Tailored care for patients with dental anxiety at Peak Dental

Is dental anxiety preventing you from taking care of your oral health? Our team of professionals will tailor a treatment plan to meet your individual needs, ensuring you have a comfortable and stress-free experience. Whether it’s a simple procedure or addressing your concerns, we’re committed to helping you feel at ease. Take the first step towards achieving a healthier mouth by completing a contact form to schedule a consultation.