You may feel anxious when visiting the dentist for several reasons, such as a fear of pain or the environment in the dental clinic itself. Sometimes, this may prevent you from receiving treatment.
Dental anxiety can cause you to panic about or fear visiting the dentist. This can sometimes cause a delay in your treatment, leading to further complications such as infections.
There are several reasons you may feel anxious or worried about going to the dentist, such as:
potential use of dental tools, like needles or drills
fear of pain from the treatment
a previous traumatic experience at the dentist
potential use of general or local anesthesia
A 2017 research study found that between 50 and 80% of adults in the United States have some form of dental anxiety.
What does dental anxiety look like?
PER Images/Stocksy United
Dental anxiety may occur well before or during treatment and can result in several symptoms, such as:
Sometimes, you may continue to have these symptoms after treatment, especially if you have undergone dental surgery and are experiencing postsurgical pain.
Why is it important to overcome dental anxiety?
If you experience dental anxiety, you may put off or avoid going to the dentist. However, this can often worsen the dental issue, causing complications such as infections. The worry that your tooth or neighboring teeth may be infected can feed your dental anxiety, making it harder to seek treatment.
The longer you avoid visiting the dentist, the more anxiety you’ll have, creating a cycle.
Neglecting your regular checkups can also worsen your dental hygiene and lead to more decay and bacteria in your teeth and gums. Ensure that you attend regular checkups so that your dentist can remove plaque buildup and spot signs of possible complications such as gum disease or mouth cancer.
Most people visit their dentist every 6 months. However, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends seeing your dentist more frequently if you are at an increased risk of developing gum disease due to conditions such as diabetes.
100% online care
Treatment plans in 15 minutes or less for 40+ conditions.
Several coping methods can help you manage your anxiety levels before visiting the dentist, either for a regular checkup or during treatment. This includes:
Speaking with a dentist about your concerns
It can be helpful to speak with a dentist at the beginning of your appointment about the anxieties you are experiencing. You can also use this time to ask any questions you have about the procedure. They can then support you by explaining what will happen and helping to alleviate any fears you may have.
A dentist can guide you through the treatment by vocalizing what step they are about to perform. For example, mention when they are about to inject anesthesia during tooth extraction and when you can expect to feel numbness in your mouth.
Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises before and during your treatment can help you manage your anxiety levels and slow your heart rate.
Examples of breathing exercises that may help include:
The 4-7-8 breathing method: This method involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 7 seconds, and then exhaling for 8 seconds. A 2022 study found that this technique helped lower anxiety levels in people after surgery.
Box breathing: Also known as the square breathing method, it involves locating a square object or imagining the shape. You can then use each side of the square to guide you as you breathe in for a count of 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and then pause for 4 seconds before beginning again. This technique can help ease your anxiety and ground you in the present moment.
Equal breathing: This method involves inhaling and exhaling air at equal lengths. It can help you feel balanced while giving you something to focus on.
Bringing a loved one with you
It may be helpful to bring a loved one, such as a family member or friend, along with you. They can help provide support throughout your dental appointment. A loved one may also be able to keep you distracted by talking with you and keeping your mind off any anxieties that may be arising.
Having a familiar face in the room may make you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
Medication for dental anxiety
If you are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, it may make getting dental treatment difficult. However, taking medications may help. These can include taking anti-anxiety medications beforehand to help manage feelings of panic, fear, or distress. A dentist may also suggest general anesthesia during treatments such as tooth extraction.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
If you are experiencing severe anxiety during your appointment, a dentist may use general anesthesia to help you feel calmer and at ease. General anesthesia affects the entire body, and you are not awake or conscious during the procedure. Using general anesthesia can also help the dentist to work quicker and more efficiently and speed up the length of your treatment.
It is important to know that general anesthesia can lead to a higher rate of postoperative complications than local anesthesia, where a small area in the mouth gets numb.
Your dentist will speak with you about your choices if you feel a heightened dental anxiety. Together, you can determine what the best course of action will be.
Anti-anxiety medication
If you are experiencing high levels of anxiety before your appointment, your doctor might prescribe anti-anxiety medications known as benzodiazepines. Examples include:
If you are concerned about symptoms of severe anxiety before a dental appointment, consider speaking with a doctor to see if anti-anxiety medication can help.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, Optum Perks free Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Summary
It is common to experience a certain level of anxiety before a dental appointment, especially if you are about to undergo a surgical procedure such as a tooth extraction. A 2017 research study found that between 50 and 80% of adults in the United States have some form of dental anxiety.
Sometimes, you may experience severe anxiety when visiting the dentist. Dental anxiety can occur for multiple reasons, such as a fear of pain or the dental clinic setting itself.
Coping strategies such as breathing exercises and bringing a loved one to your appointment can help. In some instances, a healthcare professional may suggest anti-anxiety medications to help you feel at ease and alleviate high anxiety levels.
