Effective Solutions in Dealing With Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety in children and adults is a common experience that keeps many people from getting the care they need. However, there’s nothing to be ashamed about. You may experience dental anxiety for any number of reasons, and your dentist will be happy to help accommodate your needs. These solutions can help you enjoy comfortable care.

1. Talk Through Your Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can vary widely in its intensity. While some patients may require additional accommodations, some can make significant progress simply by talking about their concerns. You can find someone you trust with whom to discuss your worries, whether it’s a friend or family member.

This applies to patients of all ages, but is particularly important in children. If your child shows any signs of dental anxiety, you should take the time to allow them to share their concerns openly. This can greatly improve their patient experience and make getting the care they need that much easier.

When discussing dental anxiety in children and adults, try to focus on the reasons why you or your child are concerned. A better understanding of the root of the problem can help you prepare for your next visit more effectively.

2. Bring Something for Comfort

Depending on the specific treatment you’re receiving and your dentist’s policies, you can remain calm and comfortable in various ways. Some patients prefer to bring headphones to listen to music during their procedure, helping keep their minds elsewhere.

Various fidget toys, or other favorite items can also help soothe anxiety, giving patients something to do and focus on during treatment. This is particularly true in individuals with sensory issues. A weighted blanket is another potential solution to calm nerves, depending on you or your child’s individual needs.

In most cases, you should be able to bring along a friend or family member for support. Ideally, your dentist’s office will be able to accommodate them staying by your side during the treatment itself. Even coming along with you to the appointment and staying in the waiting room can be comforting.

3. Take Steps to Prepare

One of the most effective strategies for dealing with dental anxiety in children and adults is thoroughly preparing in advance. Don’t wait until the day of treatment to discuss any concerns with your dentist. Instead, bring them up early so you can rest easy knowing they’ve been addressed.

Discussing your concerns with your dentist is an important part of how they develop your custom treatment plan. By letting them know the reasons why you’re anxious, you can help your dentist provide care that is tailored to your individual needs.

Your dentist will also be able to provide a variety of accommodations that you can discuss beforehand. These will vary from office to office, but something can generally be done to improve your experience. Sometimes, discussing a code word or hand signal to indicate when you need a break can make treatment much easier.

4. Find the Right Dental Office

Finding the right dental office for you and your family is a big part of ensuring comfortable treatment. When choosing a children’s dentist, consider the atmosphere of the practice and what accommodations they can provide. The best dentist for kids will be able to handle various special needs and will be experienced in handling dental anxiety.

A dentist who offers modern treatment methods can provide more comfortable and less-invasive procedures, so look for one with the latest technology. Finding a practice that offers comprehensive treatment under one roof can also save you the stress of visiting specialists.

How you get along with the dentist and their staff is also a key element of your experience. Make sure to check out their reviews and ask your community about their experiences with that dentist on platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor.

5. Consider a Sedation Dentist in Austin

In some cases, methods for mitigating dental anxiety aren’t enough to ensure a comfortable treatment experience. Sedation dentistry options can provide an effective solution for patients with severe dental anxiety or when undergoing particularly long or invasive procedures.

In addition to local anesthetic commonly used in fillings and other minor procedures, sedation options can include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Each is suitable for different situations, and you can discuss your options in full with your dentist.

Find a Solution That Works for You

At Parmer Lane Family Dentistry, we work closely with our patients to find effective solutions for dental anxiety in children and adults. We provide a welcoming office where we carry out procedures using the latest technology to ensure comfort and reduced treatment time. We’re also your sedation dentist in Austin, with many options available. You can schedule your next appointment today to have our team meet your needs.