Dental anxiety? – This is how we can support you;
It’s not uncommon for people to feel afraid or anxious about visiting the dentist. Dental anxiety can stem from various factors, including fear of pain, past negative experiences, feeling helpless or out of control, or even embarrassment about the condition of their teeth.
We are here to support and advise you in all areas of your oral health and hygiene. We are not here to judge, only to provide the best care and treatment whilst restoring your smile and faith in dentists.
If you’re afraid of the dentist, it’s essential to acknowledge your feelings and understand that you’re not alone. Many people experience dental anxiety, and there are strategies to help manage and overcome it:
Communicate with Your Dentist: Openly discuss your fears and concerns with your dentist. A compassionate dentist will listen to your anxieties and work with you to create a comfortable and supportive environment during your visits.
- We have a English speaking co Ordinator and also our dentist and assistants understand and speak a good level of English. Communication is key and our main priority when discussing your oral health and treatment plan. We explain all treatment options in great length before any treatment is agreed or begins.
Take Baby Steps: If the thought of a dental appointment feels overwhelming, consider starting with small steps. Schedule a brief consultation or a simple check-up to ease into the dental experience gradually.
- We have video consultations available before any commitment is made to travelling to our clinic. These calls are not only available to discuss your treatment options, but also to build a relationship with our patient. By doing this we aim to illuminate or minimise any fears they may have by supporting them from the first contact, during treatment and even after treatment is complete. After care is as equally important as the treatment itself.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation, or progressive muscle relaxation to help calm your nerves before and during dental appointments.
- You can discuss any fears or anxieties that you may have with the dental team and supporting staff. We will work along side you at your own pace, ensuring you are comfortable and as relaxed as possible. Your health is our main priority also when having dental treatment. Always be open and honest with your dentist.
Bring a Support Person: Having a trusted friend or family member accompany you to your dental appointments can provide emotional support and reassurance.
- Travelling with someone can help with your anxieties and provide company between appointments. But if you do travel alone, our doors are always open to our patients should they need to speak and gain reassurance about there treatment. We also have an after-care number in which they can communicate with our co Ordinator who can support you where possible.
Explore Sedation Options: Talk to your dentist about sedation options available to help you feel more relaxed during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry can range from mild sedatives to general anaesthesia, depending on your level of anxiety and the complexity of the treatment.
- Usually, it is best for a patient to be fully awake and aware of what is going on so that communication can be maintained during treatment allowing their full co-operation with dentist. Although these are options are not recommended too often, they are available in more severe cases and dependent on the complexity of the treatment required.
Find a Dentist Who Specializes in Anxiety Management: Consider seeking out a dentist who specializes in treating patients with dental anxiety. These professionals are trained to create a calming atmosphere and employ techniques to help patients feel more comfortable and at ease.
- Hence the reason for open, clear, and regular communication, either by message, phone call or even video calling. Research is also a big factor to include when you are deciding on your chosen clinic to undergo treatment. If you are not able to communicate freely or build a comfortable relationship that allows you to feel relaxed and at ease then that’s not the clinic for you.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Taking care of your teeth and gums at home can help reduce the need for extensive dental treatments and alleviate anxiety about potential dental issues.
- We offer open communication with all our patients, even once treatment is complete. We give advice and tips and details of good oral health practices for our patients to maintain once treatment is complete. And we remain available as part of our aftercare should our patients require any further information or advice.
Remember that overcoming dental anxiety is a process that takes time and patience. By taking proactive steps to address your fears and working collaboratively with your dentist, you can gradually build trust and confidence in the dental care process. Follow us on Facebook Don’t let fear prevent you from prioritizing your oral health and seeking the dental care you need. Your Oral Health is important Promoting Dental Health – 2024 (ovadent.com)
