Being nervous about visiting the dentist is very common, but dental anxiety is not always one overall fear. Different people can be worried about completely different aspects of treatment.
For one person it might be the sight of a needle. For somebody else, the thought of losing control while sitting in the dental chair may be the biggest problem. Some people are particularly worried about pain, while others struggle with the sounds, smells or even the feeling of something being placed in their mouth.
Understanding exactly what is worrying you can sometimes be a useful first step. Once you know what the problem is, our Bromley dentists can look at ways of making it easier to deal with.
The following are some of the more common dental fears and a few suggestions that might help you to deal with, or even overcome them.
A fear of injections is probably one of the most common dental worries. Even people who are generally quite comfortable with the dentist can dislike the idea of a needle. It can help to let your dentist know about this before treatment starts. They can take their time rather than rushing the injection, and explain what will happen during it.
You might also find it easier if you do not watch what is happening. Looking away, closing your eyes or concentrating on something else can make the injection feel like a much smaller part of the appointment.
Perhaps the biggest worry for many nervous patients is simply, “Will it hurt?”
Modern dentistry has plenty of ways of keeping patients comfortable, and our dentists will make sure the area is properly numb before starting a procedure. If you are worried about pain, please let us know so that we can help you where possible.
It can also be reassuring for patients of the Smile Dental Practice in Bromley to agree on a signal, such as raising your hand, which means “please stop for a moment”. Knowing that you can ask the dentist to pause can make treatment feel much more manageable and allow you to recompose yourself if you feel yourself start to panic during a procedure.
This can be particularly difficult for people who dislike feeling that somebody else is in control of what is happening, especially as, in the case of dentistry, this is all happening very close to our major senses of sight, sound and smell.
The solution may be as simple as agreeing what will happen before treatment starts. Ask our friendly Bromley dentist to explain what they are going to do and agree on a signal that means you need a break. It is much easier to sit in the chair when you know that you can pause the procedure if you need to.
Some people have a particularly strong gag reflex and may worry about gagging, choking or being unable to tolerate dental treatment. Let your dentist know about this before they begin. They can often adjust the way they work and take regular breaks if necessary.
Try to breathe slowly through your nose where possible and avoid holding your breath. If you know that certain procedures are especially difficult for you, mention this when making the appointment rather than waiting until you are already in the chair.
The sound and vibration of the drill can be enough to make some people feel anxious, even if they are not particularly worried about pain.
One simple solution is to take control of the sound. Listening to music or a podcast through headphones can help take your attention away from the drill. You will need to agree this with the dentist beforehand though as the ability to communicate can be especially important with certain procedures.
Some nervous patients worry about having instruments or water in their mouth and feeling unable to breathe normally. Again, this is something the dentist needs to know. They can make sure that you are comfortable and give you opportunities to swallow or take a break.
Agreeing a hand signal can be particularly helpful here. You do not need to try to communicate verbally while somebody is working in your mouth.
You might be embarrassed about the condition of your teeth, particularly if you have not visited a dentist for several years.
This can become a vicious circle. You feel embarrassed, so you avoid the dentist, and the longer you avoid going, the more embarrassed you feel about eventually making an appointment. Dentists see all sorts of dental problems every day. Their job is to help rather than judge you, no matter what the condition of your teeth.
Some people are less frightened of the treatment itself than they are of being told that something is seriously wrong. If you have been avoiding the dentist because you are worried about what they might find, remember that problems are generally easier to deal with when they are discovered early.
You can also ask the dentist to explain the findings clearly and give you time to consider your options. You do not necessarily have to agree to every suggested treatment immediately.
Dental practices have a distinctive smell, and for some people it can immediately bring back memories of an unpleasant experience. If this affects you, mention it to the practice reception team when you book your appointment. You may be able to wait somewhere quieter or arrange an appointment at a less busy time.
Some people find that taking headphones, listening to familiar music or using something like an aromatherapy oil on a tissue can help to distract them from the surroundings.
Sometimes there is a very specific reason behind dental anxiety. Perhaps a previous dentist was rough, treatment was painful, or you felt that nobody listened when you said you were uncomfortable. A bad experience does not mean that every future appointment will be the same.
Tell your new dentist what happened and, more importantly, what you are worried might happen again. This gives them an opportunity to approach your treatment differently. It is always important to be honest about your particular fear. Dental anxiety is not always easy to explain, but once our dentists understand what is causing it, they can often make surprisingly simple changes that help.
You may never completely overcome your fear but if you can reduce it enough to undergo any necessary procedures, at the very least, you can maintain a healthy set of teeth and gums.
For very anxious patients, we also offer sedation which allows you to remain awake but in a very relaxed state. If you would like to consider this, please call us to discuss this when you book your appointment. You can do this by calling the Smile Dental Practice Bromley on 020 8462 2473 and we’ll be pleased to help.
Design By Dental Media
