Regular dental visits are essential for your oral health. However, for those suffering from dental anxiety or severe dental phobia, these appointments can quickly become a source of dread and panic. As a result, some patients end up skipping crucial appointments because of their fear of the dentist.
Overcoming your dental fears is a long process; still, it is possible, especially with the support of a compassionate and knowledgeable dental team. At Bloor West Smiles, we want to help. Our goal is that you feel at ease and comfortable in our clinic. From a friendly atmosphere to clear communication and helpful tips, we’re here for you. We also offer a range of sedation dentistry options like laughing gas and oral sedation.
Dental Anxiety Is Common
If you experience dental anxiety, there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Many Canadians do! One study found that up to 60% of Canadians feel some degree of dental anxiety, with 10% experiencing high dental phobia at the impending dental work. You’re not alone.
Furthermore, you are not the first patient to feel nervousness or fear before an appointment. Your dentist has seen it all before and knows how to help! At Bloor West Smiles, our dental team has helped many patients navigate their anxiety.
If you experience dental anxiety or phobia, please let us know when you make your appointment. That way, we can take extra steps to help you feel at ease and comfortable during your visit to our clinic.
8 Helpful Tips for Managing (and Overcoming) Your Dental Anxiety and Phobia
1. Communicate with your dentist
Your dentist is here to help. If we understand your fears and hesitations, then we can customize your care to minimize discomfort without compromising your oral health.
Please don’t hesitate to communicate your concerns. Open and honest communication is the first step in minimizing—and eventually overcoming—your dental anxiety.
Our team will take extra steps to ensure your comfort, like explaining each step in detail, taking breaks during treatment, or recommending relaxation techniques. Many of our patients report feeling less anxious when they feel informed and in control.
2. Consider the time of your appointment
The time of your appointment can play a role in minimizing (or elevating) your anxiety. Consequently, think carefully before scheduling. If you’re less anxious in the morning, then an earlier visit is a good idea. That way, you can’t fixate on the upcoming appointment throughout the day, allowing anxiety to slowly build. If you normally stress about traffic, then choose a time that doesn’t overlap with rush hour.
It’s also a good idea to organize your day around the appointment. Knowing that you need to rush back to work after your appointment can create underlying feelings of anxiety, contributing to your already nervous mood.
3. Practice self-care before and after your dental visit
It’s important to set yourself up for success, particularly if you experience anxiety or fear surrounding the dentist. Simply getting a good night’s sleep before your appointment can make a significant difference.
You may also want to abstain from caffeine the morning of your appointment, or skip that second cup if you’re a regular coffee drinker. Eating too much sugar before your dental visit can also cause feelings of jitteriness or additional anxiety.
4. Bring a trusted friend or family member
You don’t have to go through your anxiety alone. Although our dental team is here to support you, we understand that we are no substitute for a trusted friend or family member.
A familiar face can be wonderfully effective at reducing nervousness or fear. Your compassionate companion can provide emotional support, hold your hand, or distract you with conversation throughout your appointment.
5. Use breathing exercises
When we are overcome with anxiety or fear, we often either forget to breathe or breathe too rapidly. Thus, simply controlling your breathing can relax your mind and help you feel calmer.
Try closing your eyes and inhaling through your nose slowly. Hold your breath for a few seconds before slowly exhaling through your mouth. Repeat this several times until you start to feel calm.
It’s a good idea to practice this technique before your dental appointment. That way, it feels like second nature in your moment of need.
6. Practice other relaxation techniques
Breathing exercises are not the only relaxation techniques you can try. Meditation, visualization, and muscle relaxation exercises can also be very effective. There are many meditation apps available to help, particularly if you’re a beginner. Try meditation before and during your appointment to help you stay calm.
7. Embrace distraction
Distraction is a classic method for managing dental anxiety and phobia. Keeping your mind occupied can help you “forget” about your appointment and help the time pass more quickly. You can watch a movie, listen to calming music, or use your phone as a distraction during your dental visit.
8. Ask for sedation dentistry
In some cases, no amount of communication, preparation, meditation, or distraction will do the trick. For these patients, sedation dentistry is the best option.
Sedation dentistry uses anesthesia and/or medication to help you feel more at ease during your appointment. There are various levels of sedation available depending on the severity of your anxiety. Nitrous oxide, for example, is a conscious sedative, so you experience a calming effect, but remain conscious.
Sedation Dentistry at Bloor West Smiles
We offer four levels of sedation dentistry, depending on your anxiety level and overall health. Please let us know about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving so we can recommend the safest sedative for you.
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Oral sedation
- IV moderate sedation
- Deep sedation (general anesthesia)
Bloor West Smiles: We’re Here to Help You Overcome Your Dental Anxiety!
Bloor West Smiles is happy to provide sedation dentistry to our patients. We are committed to helping you feel at ease and comfortable during your visit to our clinic. Whether you simply need to talk through your upcoming procedure or require mild sedation, our dental team is here to support you in any way that we can.
For those experiencing dental anxiety, we are the best dentist for you!
To learn more about our sedation dentistry services in Toronto, call Bloor West Smiles at 416-766-2853 or contact us here.
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