Dental anxiety is a real thing and can lead to poor oral health. If you suffer from this condition, it is important to understand the causes and find ways to overcome it.

Various studies, including those with self-report measures and behavioral assessments, have found that direct conditioning and modeling experiences are key etiological factors for dental fear. More recently, Davey and Jongh have added the possibility that latent inhibition may play a role in this learning process.

Identifying the Causes

For many patients, dental anxiety Raleigh NC stems from negative experiences in the past or hearing about others' painful and scary visits to the dentist. But there are also psychological factors at play, like excessive worrying and a generalized fear of social interactions.

Dental anxiety can also be caused by a lack of personal space, such as feeling uncomfortable with the close proximity of a dentist or hygienist to your face. Some people also feel anxious about losing control during treatment, especially if they have a nervous or dismissive dentist.

These 'exogenous' factors are the ones that can be changed by changing attitudes and behaviour, such as learning relaxation techniques or using distractions to help calm you. Alternatively, you could undergo exposure therapy to help overcome your fears in a safe and controlled environment with the support of a psychologist.

Talking to Your Dentist

If you or a loved one suffers from dental anxiety, it’s important to talk about it with your dentist. This will let them know that you’re nervous about dental procedures and help them figure out what the best approach might be.

Your dentist may recommend relaxation techniques like deep breathing or suggest distraction strategies to calm you down. They may even allow you to bring a personal device with music, movies or other entertainment, and many dental offices have televisions that can serve as a distraction during procedures.

Keeping up with routine dental visits and avoiding avoidance of oral care can also reduce your anxiety. Having a good experience at the dentist can build confidence, so make sure to schedule your appointment regularly. You’ll feel much better after your checkup!

Relaxation Techniques

Practicing relaxation techniques can help alleviate dental anxiety Raleigh NC before and during appointments. Deep breathing exercises can slow down a patient’s heart rate, while meditation and mindfulness techniques can cultivate calmness and reduce stress.

Other effective relaxation strategies include progressive muscle relaxation, where patients tense and relax different groups of muscles in their body. The technique starts at the toes and moves up through the legs, torso, arms, and face. Guided imagery can also help with this practice, where patients visualize a calming scene or situation, such as the beach or a forest.

For those who are unable to find relief through open communication and relaxation techniques, cognitive behavior therapy can be an option to change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedatives can also provide extra comfort during procedures.

Distractions

One of the most popular ways to soothe dental anxiety is by distracting yourself during appointments. This can be done by watching TV, listening to music or engaging in deep breathing techniques.

Cognitive refocusing is an audiovisual distraction method that decreases pain perception by diverting attention to more enjoyable stimuli (8). This technique has been shown to be effective in reducing dental anxiety Raleigh NC in children (9).

Bringing along your child’s favorite comfort item can also provide a sense of security and distraction during the procedure. This may be a stuffed animal, blanket or other toy that they can hold onto during their appointment. (10)

Sedation

For many people, the thought of visiting the dentist can cause feelings of anxiety or fear. This can lead to them avoiding dental care, which can worsen oral health conditions. Sedation dentistry is a great solution for these patients, as it can help them relax during their procedure and make it easier to receive the dental care they need.

Generally, mildly or moderately anxious patients can be managed by psychological anxiety-reducing therapies; however, sometimes, anxiolytic drugs such as nitrous oxide or oral/IV sedation with benzodiazepines are needed. In severe or extreme cases, patients may require sedation that subdues them to the point of unconsciousness or general anesthesia. Regardless of the type of sedation used, it is necessary for these patients to arrange transportation to and from their appointments.