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Fear can stem from many reasons. Often, underlying fear is rooted in unpleasant experiences that may have occurred years or even decades ago.
Nevertheless, fear should not postpone or prevent visits to the dentist. Oral health significantly impacts overall health, and untreated oral issues can potentially lead to infections that affect the entire body. There are numerous methods available to manage and overcome fear.
Dental anxiety—talk about it
It’s beneficial to discuss your fears when scheduling your appointment, as this allows the dental team to take your anxiety into account from the beginning. At Helmiäinen, extra time is always reserved for anxious patients. If even scheduling an appointment feels challenging, consider having a trusted person make the appointment on your behalf.
On the first dental visit, there may not necessarily be a need for procedures right away. A fearful patient can schedule a check-up appointment or even just a consultation. It’s important for the patient to inform the dentist about their fear right at the beginning of the visit.
Together with the dentist, you can also agree on a signal for a break. Raising your hand is a good and clear signal that you need a moment to catch your breath. When the patient knows they can signal for a break, they retain control, which can help alleviate their fear. Dental anxiety often relates to a feeling of losing control.
Relaxation
Practicing relaxation techniques can help manage or even overcome dental fear entirely. Methods for relaxation may include active body relaxation, deep breathing exercises, and visualization techniques. Listening to soothing music through headphones can also be beneficial.
If fear causes tension in specific parts of the body, learning to relax those areas is helpful. Breathing and tension are closely linked; fearful breathing tends to be rapid and shallow. Slowing down the breath activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation in the stressed body.
Conscious visualization exercises are effective in calming both mind and body. Some patients find relief by focusing on a television screen mounted near the ceiling. Immersing oneself in a TV program can distract from dental fear, at least momentarily.
Anesthesia alleviates pain
Modern anesthetics are highly effective, so there is no need to fear pain. If the injection itself is a concern, a numbing gel can be applied to the mucosa before administering the anesthetic, making even the injection painless.
Pre-medication Helps Relax
When treating patients with dental anxiety, pre-medication can be used to support the actual treatment. The pre-medication is taken on an empty stomach 45–60 minutes before the procedure. It helps the patient feel more relaxed, and its effects typically wear off within a few hours.
It’s a good idea to mention a request for pre-medication when making the initial appointment.
Sedation
For those with severe dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can be an effective solution. Sedation is categorized into light and deep sedation. In light sedation, an anesthesiologist administers medication to relax the patient, reducing their level of consciousness. Light sedation is suitable for adult patients undergoing procedures that last about two hours.
Deep sedation, or general anesthesia, is appropriate for patients who need extensive dental work or whose treatment might otherwise be neglected due to fear.
