Dental anxiety is a common problem, and it doesn’t just affect children. In fact, studies show that dental anxiety affects more adults than children. There are many reasons for this, but one of the main reasons is that adults have had more time to develop dental fear and anxiety. If you are one of the millions of adults who suffer from dental anxiety, don’t worry – we have some tips for you! In this blog post, we will discuss how to overcome dental fear and anxiety. We will also talk about sedation dentistry, which can be a great option for those who are afraid of the dentist.

Understanding Fear and Dental Anxiety

It’s important to understand that dental anxiety and fear are two different things. Dental anxiety is the feeling of nervousness or apprehension that you may feel before going to the dentist. Fear, on the other hand, is a more intense emotion that can cause physical reactions, such as a racing heart and sweating. For some people, dental anxiety can lead to dental fear, also known as dental phobia. But it’s important to remember that everyone experiences anxiety and fear differently.

There are many different ways to cope with anxiety and fear. Some people may find that deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques help to ease their anxiety. Others may need to see a therapist or counselor to talk about their feelings of anxiety. And for some people, medication may be necessary to help manage their anxiety. If you are interested in exploring medication as an option, be sure to speak with your doctor or dentist about it.

Sedation Dentistry

For many people, the thought of going to the dentist is enough to cause anxiety and fear. If this is the case for you, sedation dentistry may be a good option. Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, is the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. There are different types of sedation, and your dentist will work with you to determine which type is right for you.

Types

Some people may only need to take a pill before their appointment to help them relax. Others may need to have an IV placed in their arm, which will help them to remain calm and comfortable during the procedure. And for some people, general anesthesia may be necessary. This is usually only the case for very complex procedures or for those who have a high level of anxiety.

If you think that sedation dentistry might be right for you, be sure to speak with your dentist about it. They will be able to help you decide if sedation is right for you and, if so, what type of sedation would be best.

Tips for Coping with Dental Anxiety

There are many different ways that you can cope with dental anxiety. Here are a few tips:

Find a dentist that you trust:

This is one of the most important things you can do. If you find a dentist that you feel comfortable with, it will make going to the dentist much easier.

Talk to your dentist about your anxiety:

It’s important to communicate with your dentist about your anxiety. They can then work with you to help ease your anxiety.

Ask questions:

If you have questions about a procedure, be sure to ask your dentist. This will help to ease your anxiety by making you feel more informed.

Take breaks:

If you feel like you need a break during a dental procedure, don’t be afraid to ask for one. Your dentist will understand and will be happy to accommodate you.

These are just a few tips for coping with dental anxiety. Remember, everyone experiences anxiety differently, so what works for one person may not work for another. If you are struggling to cope with your anxiety, be sure to speak with your dentist about it. They can help you find the resources you need to ease your anxiety and make going to the dentist a more positive experience.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you’re looking for a dentist in Colorado Springs that can help you with your dental anxiety, make an appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry. We specialize in sedation dentistry and our team is dedicated to providing a positive and comfortable experience for all of our patients. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.