Public speaking, heights, spiders, and dentists all make the list of most common adult fears. You may know one or more of these firsthand! Unfortunately, all of these fears come with negative consequences—big or small. For example, people who are afraid of public speaking may limit their careers by not taking advantage of certain opportunities.

In the same way, fear of the dentist can have an immense impact on a person’s oral and overall health. Those who suffer from dental fear often have some of the worst dental problems because they don’t visit the dentist as often as they should. To stop this cycle, these patients should search for a “sedation dentist near me” who offers nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.

Sedation Dentist Tips: How to Overcome Dental Fear

For many, fear of the dentist stems from a fear of pain, loss of control, or bad past dental experiences. One of the first and best things a person can do when trying to overcome their dental fear is to pinpoint what exactly they are afraid of.

Then, here are five more tips for overcoming dental fear:

1.     Find a sedation dentist

Finding the right dentist is one of the first steps to easing any dental fear or anxiety. Sedation dentists specialize in making patients feel comfortable and relaxed during their appointments.

When you choose a sedation dentist, you have access to nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation.

Nitrous oxide is administered through a nose apparatus, so the patient breathes in the gas. The effects of nitrous oxide are mild but should be felt almost immediately. Laughing gas allows the patient to be conscious during the appointment or procedure and completely relaxes them. This type of sedation also wears off quickly so the patient can usually drive himself or herself home.

Oral conscious sedation works best for patients with severe fear or anxiety. Oral sedation comes in the form of a pill that patients take the night before or one hour before their dental appointment. During the appointment, the patient may be hooked up to a heart rate monitor, blood pressure monitor, and breathing machine. Because of the strength of the sedative, these patients must have a ride home.

2.     Practice relaxation techniques

Talk to your sedation dentist about relaxation techniques that you can do in the chair. Controlled breathing and progressive muscle relaxation are two of the most popular. Breathing techniques may be a little complicated during a dental exam or procedure, but progressive muscle relaxation is definitely possible!

Practice this at home by tensing up different muscle groups in your body, your shoulders for example, then slowly release the tension. Continue working your way down and soon enough, your whole body will be relaxed.

3.     Bring a friend

To ensure you actually make it to your appointment, or just for extra support, bring a friend along with you. There’s no shame in asking for help, and a true friend will be glad to step up. If you’re feeling especially anxious, have your friend pick you up and drive you to the appointment. For patients who opt for oral conscious sedation, a ride home will be necessary anyway!

4.     Ask questions

When you get to your appointment, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your sedation dentist will be happy to answer any questions to ease your fears and worries. Nothing is off-limits.

Create a signal with your dentist to let them know to stop during the procedure if you have any questions about the process.

5.     Treat yourself!

Once it’s all over, and if you’re feeling up to it, treat yourself to something you love! That could be a manicure or pedicure, dinner at your favorite restaurant, or a small shopping spree. Whatever it is, conquering your fear is worth celebrating.

Sedation Dentist in Grant Park

At Smiles for Grant Park, Dr. Abbey J. Lee offers dental sedation, gentle dental care, and a relaxing environment to patients who suffer from dental fear. Don’t wait any longer to receive the help you need. Call 404.328.7177 to schedule your initial consultation.