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Overcoming Dental Anxiety: Your Dentist Can Provide Support

Dental anxiety refers to the fear or uneasiness that arises from past experiences, hearing distressing stories from others, fear of needles, fear of doctors, or the sounds commonly associated with dental procedures. Even seemingly simple triggers like knowing an appointment is approaching, or being aware of necessary dental restorations can evoke dental anxiety.

Here are some signs and symptoms of dental anxiety:

If you suffer from dental anxiety or have a fear of visiting the dentist, please know that you are not alone. Countless individuals grapple with dental anxiety, feeling apprehensive about dental appointments and sometimes even fearing the dentists themselves. This serious issue can have detrimental effects on both oral and overall health.

While some individuals can manage their dental anxiety to some extent, those with severe phobias may go to great lengths to avoid dental appointments, considering it the norm to evade dental care altogether.

However, it is essential to understand why skipping dental appointments due to dental anxiety (or any other reason) poses significant problems:

    • Gum disease, resulting from plaque buildup and tartar (which can only be professionally removed), is the leading cause of tooth loss.

    • Neglected decay and compromised fillings (as they wear out over time) can lead to unnecessary pain.

    • Untreated jaw joint pain can severely impact your quality of life.

    • Tooth decay does not resolve itself; it worsens over time and eventually leads to tooth loss.

Oral health is directly linked to overall health and can have negative effects on the heart, lungs, pancreas, brain, kidneys, bones, and more. 

Our objective is to work collaboratively with you by doing the following: 

    • Recognizing and acknowledging your dental anxiety.

    • Providing effective coping mechanisms to alleviate your fears.

    • Ensuring you receive the necessary and desired care.

What does dental anxiety entail?

Dental anxiety refers to fear or anxiousness that results due to past experiences, hearing challenging stories that other people have experienced, fear of needles, fear of doctors, the sounds of dentistry, etc. Many seemingly simple things can trigger it … knowing an appointment is upcoming, knowing your restoration needs some attention, even just driving to the dentist.

Here are some signs and symptoms of dental anxiety: 

    • Avoiding necessary dental care.

    • Heightened respiration.

    • Excessive sweating.

    • Increased heart rate (tachycardia) or heart palpitations.

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Here are five strategies that can assist you in overcoming dental anxiety:

  1. Seek information: Don’t hesitate to ask any dental-related questions you may have. The more you understand about dentistry and the treatments we offer at our Mississauga dental practice, the more empowered and informed you will feel as a patient. Sharing your fears and past negative experiences with us allows us to tailor your treatment plan accordingly. We can modify our explanations, adjust the pace of your care, and recommend coping strategies for anxiety. 
     
  2. Limit caffeine intake: On the day of your appointment, consider reducing your consumption of caffeine. As a stimulant, caffeine can keep you mentally alert and potentially heighten your dental anxiety. Instead, try having a protein-based snack before your visit to stabilize your blood sugar and promote a sense of calm. 
     
  3. Use headphones: If the sounds associated with dental procedures trigger your anxiety, bring headphones and listen to your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks. This will help you create a more soothing and distracting environment during your dental visit. 
     
  4. Engage your hands: Relieve dental anxiety by occupying your hands with fidget spinners or stress balls. These tactile distractions can provide a sense of comfort and redirect your focus away from anxiety-inducing thoughts. 
     
  5. Establish a communication signal: Sometimes, taking a brief break can significantly alleviate anxiety. We can establish a hand signal that you can use to indicate when you need a pause during your dental treatment. We prioritize your comfort and will adjust our care accordingly whenever you feel overwhelmed or experience any discomfort. 

Various life stressors can also contribute to dental anxiety. These could include the following:

1. Appointment availability: If you have a busy schedule due to family commitments or work obligations, and require evening or weekend appointments, we understand the challenges involved. Our team at High Point Dental is dedicated to accommodating your busy life as best as we can. We recognize that taking time off work can be stressful, so we strive to work around your schedule to ensure convenient appointment options.

2. Dental insurance concerns: If you have dental insurance benefits through your employer and are uncertain about the extent of coverage, we are here to assist you. Our team will be happy to help you navigate your insurance coverage and provide clarity on the financial aspects well in advance. We prioritize transparency and flexibility, so feel free to discuss your specific needs with us. 

As your trusted Mississauga dental clinic, the team at High Point Dental welcomes you to schedule a consultation or discussion. You can reach us at (905) 625-5751. We are available to address any questions or concerns you may have and create a personalized treatment plan that not only focuses on your oral health but also alleviates your dental anxiety.