The more a patient avoids going to the dentist, the more likely they are to have problems resulting in dental pain and the need for more complex and costly treatment, all of which will serve only to worsen any anxiety. The dental team are equipped to manage dental anxiety and they’re very used to doing so. Learning dental anxiety techniques is an important part of their training to ensure that everyone, including nervous patients, receive the care they need to maintain good oral health.
Rather than postponing visits, here’s a look at some dental anxiety techniques that can minimise stress and work towards a healthier dental mindset.
Understanding the cause of your anxiety can be the first step towards overcoming it. For many people simply the loss of control can initiate a state of panic. For others more specific memories of past negative experiences, especially if they occurred during childhood or if they led to a particularly traumatic experience, can leave a lasting impression. The sight of specific equipment like the dental chair, hearing a particular noise like the dental drill or experiencing certain smells that remind patients of a negative experience, can all act as triggers. General fear of the pain so often associated with dental procedures along with more specific fears such needles, can all trigger the nervous system and initiate dental anxiety.
Sometimes just embarrassment about the state of the teeth especially after a period of neglect, can also play its part in negative thoughts and beliefs about dental visits. While avoiding the dentist may not have consequences in the short term, it could result in more serious health conditions such as tooth loss, gum disease, and oral infections in the long term.
• Communicate your concerns. Whatever your trigger, communicate your concerns to your dentist. They can take steps to alleviate your fears and tailor their approach to make you feel more comfortable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and discuss pain management options. Eliminating the fear of the unknown and understanding the procedure will help you to feel more in control. If it helps, write a letter or email to your dentist identifying your needs, fears and preferences ahead of the appointment.
• Set up a stop signal. Agreeing a signal as simple as raising your hand can help you feel in control again. Knowing your dentist will stop any time they see the signal will help you to build a trusting relationship.
• Breathing exercises. Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to the brain and helps stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps create a state of calmness. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose (4 to 6 seconds) and breath slowly out through your mouth (6 to 8 seconds) Practicing deep breathing before and during your dental visit is one of the simplest but most effective ways to reduce your stress.
• Distraction Techniques. Use distractions such as listening to music, focusing on a specific object or having something in your hands like a stress ball, to keep your mind occupied and divert your attention away from the procedure.
• Practice Visualisation. This involves imagining a peaceful place or taking yourself back to a happy memory or a funny past moment. Being nostalgic can help you feel happier which can relax your mind and distract it from anxious thoughts. Imagine yourself in happy place and stay focussed on all the things you would be doing and feeling if you were there.
• Mindfulness & Meditation. This involves deliberately focusing your mind and body to enhance awareness, compassion, and mental calmness. It can help people cope with stress and anxiety and can be practiced in many ways.
• Have a close friend or relative accompany you. Having someone there that you trust will help you to feel safe, comfortable and less vulnerable. Ask your dentist if your companion can stay in the room during your appointment. Holding their hand or having them touch a part of your body like your leg or foot will increase your sense of safety.
• Hypnosis. Some practitioners offer hypnosis for dental anxiety management. This is a technique that involves quieting the conscious mind to create a trance-like state. Once in a tranced state, the hypnotherapist will use the power of suggestion to dial down your anxiety. Some dental practitioners offer hypnotherapy, or you can arrange sessions away from the dental practice. It is known to be a successful technique for many people looking for ways of coping with dental fear.
• Oral Sedation. Some dentists may prescribe a short acting oral sedative or anti-anxiety drug for a patient to take before their appointment. These drugs are usually only available through your doctor or dentist, and they work by making you feel relaxed and sleepy. Driving is not recommended until after the drug has worn off.
• Inhalation Sedation. Inhalation sedation is a light form of sedation that uses a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen to help patients feel more relaxed and cooperative during dental procedures. It is also known as "happy air" or "laughing gas” and is commonly used on procedures carried out on children.
• Intravenous (IV) Sedation. Also known as conscious sedation or twilight sleep, IV sedation is a type of anaesthesia that involves injecting a sedative drug into a vein. It is a quick, safe and effective way to manage severe dental anxiety but not all dentists will offer this type of sedation. It can also be costly as extra training, additional equipment and additional surgery time is required to carry it out.
Modern approaches to dental treatment that move away from the use of the conventional instruments often associated with pain and discomfort, can help to forge new experiences and beliefs, gradually leading to more stress-free dental visits.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is a modern approach to dental cleaning that offers a comfortable, pain-free, and effective way to achieve and maintain a healthy smile. One of the most significant advantages of GBT is its gentle nature. Unlike traditional cleanings that rely on scraping and polishing, GBT utilises specially designed tools including warm water Airflow®, soft erythritol based powder and no-pain ultrasonics to gently remove biofilm, calculus and stains from your teeth. The procedure is designed to be non-invasive with minimal noise, ensuring your comfort throughout the process. Treatment time with GBT is also significantly reduced which means less time laid back in the dental chair.
Having positive dental experiences will gradually change patients’ perception of dental care, making future visits easier and more pleasant. The better the experience, the less anxious patients become and the more likely they are to keep up with regular dental visits, leading to better overall oral health.
Whether you have sensitive teeth, gum recession or you’re a dental phobia, GBT offers a stress-free, painless solution tailored to your needs.
Choosing the right dentist or dental hygienist experienced in dealing with anxious patients is crucial when coping with dental anxiety. Look at reviews and ask around on local social media platforms for different people’s experiences. Go into the clinic for a non-treatment visit and ask to meet with the dentist before deciding if you want to make an appointment. You’ll get a sense of the environment and if it feels supportive & welcoming. Don’t be afraid to ask what coping mechanisms they have in place for addressing dental anxiety. If you feel safe and feel a sense of connection with your dental professional, you’re likely to feel more at ease during dental visits.
There are many support options available from clinics specialising in dental anxiety techniques to support groups and online resources. Everyone is different and no one approach will be right for everyone but finding the right clinic, the right approach and the right treatment can transform a dental visit into a stress-free, pleasant experience.
Contact a Switch to GBT provider to learn more about how GBT can help you overcome your dental anxiety.
