Let Dr. Carson Help You Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist

Let Dr. Carson Help You Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist

Do you feel tense or nervous about visiting the dentist? If you experience feelings of panic or anxiety around dental procedures, you are not alone. About 75 percent of Americans suffer from a mild to severe fear of the dentist, also know as “odontophobia.”
There are solutions for dental patients to feel more at ease and relaxed when undergoing a basic cleaning or procedure. In this article, we will show how Dr. Carson can help you overcome your fear and achieve a healthier smile.
Communicate About Your Fears
If you can, find a dentist that specializes in treating patients with dental phobias or anxiety. Communicate with the receptionist when scheduling the appointment and alert the hygienist and dentist if you feel anxious during your visit. Ask your provider if you can listen to music in your headphones during treatment, as this may help you to relax.
Agree On a Signal for When You Need a Break
For many patients, dental anxiety stems from a fear of helplessness or loss of control. One way to alleviate this fear is to communicate with your dental provider to develop a hand signal for when you need a break. Knowing that you can alert the dentist when you want them to pause during a cleaning or procedure can help you to feel more in control.
Inquire About Sedation Options
Sometimes the root of dental anxiety is a fear of pain. Mild, moderate and deep sedation techniques are available to help patients who have had a negative or painful dental experience in the past or fear a painful experience. Sedation can help patients to relax and manage any pain associated with a procedure. Mild sedation involves nitrous oxide or laughing gas, which relaxes the patient but allows the patient to remain conscious and responsive during the procedure.
For more mild to severe anxiety, a patient may opt for an oral sedative or an intravenous (IV) sedation method. With oral sedation, a patient is conscious but will not remember most of the treatment. IV sedation means the patient will be in an unconscious state and feel pleasantly asleep during the procedure. For both Oral and IV sedation, the patient will need a friend or family member to accompany them to the appointment.
To learn more about overcoming your dental anxieties or fears, contact the offices of Dr. John Carson, DDS. Our Tucson dental practice specializes in preventative and cosmetic dentistry. Give us a call today at (520) 514-7203 to schedule an appointment.