3 ways to conquer dental anxiety

Conquering Dental Anxiety

Do you put off going to the dentist due to fear and anxiety? You’re not alone.

Most people experience some nervous feelings when visiting the dental clinic, but for some of us, dental appointments can be incredibly stressful and fearful. The good news is there are a few ways to help manage the anxiety to make your next dental visit easier. Here is what our team of Wellington dentists recommend:

Bring a friend

Having a friend come with you to your appointments is a great way to help reduce your anxiety. A friend’s presence is comforting and can help you put on a brave face. Your dentist won’t mind at all if you want a friend in the room with you, though they will need to step out when x-rays are being taken! Picking the right friend comes down to what makes you feel better. If it’s a good laugh then pick your wittiest friend to accompany you, or if you like a sympathetic ear then ask your most compassionate friend. If you have someone with you who can help you to relax and put you in a good mood your dental appointment will be a lot less stressful.

Bring some music or a good podcast

Sometimes what you really need to get through a dental appointment is a good distraction. A perfectly curated playlist, interesting podcast, or captivating audiobook may be just the thing to keep your mind off what’s happening. Make sure to wear noise-cancelling headphones for a more immersive experience. Time goes faster when you’re distracted, and your appointment will be over before you know it.

Ask for IV sedation

Essentially all treatments can be carried out under IV sedation, which is good to know if visiting the dentist makes you anxious. IV sedation doesn’t fully knock you out like general anaesthetic does, making it a lot safer. Patients report feeling as though they were in a dream-like state during the procedure and have very little recollection of what happened. The sedative also makes time appear to move faster, so a lot of treatment can be done without it feeling as though you have been in the chair for hours. Sedation is always used alongside local anaesthetic for full comfort. If you are interested in sedation you will need to arrange a consultation with the dentist first to ensure you are a suitable candidate.