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Is Dental Phobia Real? How Can I Get Dental Treatment When I’m Anxious?

07/09/2024

Being scared of going to the dentist often plays heavily in the punchline of jokes, but if you live in fear of getting treatment, it’s not something you’ll find funny. 

You may believe you’re alone in feeling this way or that there’s something wrong with you. After all, many other people can make routine dental appointments and get treatments whenever needed, but you can’t. However, you are not alone in any of this. 

Dental phobia is believed to affect a large percentage of the population. For some, this could mean anxiety and trepidation before and during an appointment or treatment. Other people may experience this as an ongoing fear which impacts their mental and physical health. 

Wherever you sit on the anxiety scale, there are things you can do to help yourself, and there are steps we can take, too. This guide explains these options when you come to Platinum Dental Care for any of your oral health needs. 

Why Am I Anxious About Going to the Dentist?

Anxiety affects everyone. It’s a sense of unease that tells you a situation may be stressful or cause harm. This is a normal evolutionary response designed to keep you safe and healthy. 

You will experience feelings of anxiety when the nervous system switches from parasympathetic to sympathetic. This engages your fight-or-flight response and the release of adrenalin and cortisol. Your heart rate and breathing will become quick, and your muscles will tense up. During this time, your brain will reserve more power for processing and reacting to perceived dangers instead of more profound, logical thinking. 

Sometimes, your anxiety can get in the way of life. You may subconsciously perceive some things as harmful when they are not. Logically, you might know that dentists work in clinical environments, use anaesthetics, and receive high levels of training, but you can still feel nervous. 

The reasons for this might be traced back to childhood or any point in your life. You may have had a negative experience, endured considerable toothache and associated it with the care you received, or learned that you should be scared of dentists from family, friends, or TV. 

Why Should I Learn To Manage My Fears?

There are certain understandable phobias that you may never need to overcome because the thing you fear most may never happen. Unfortunately, with dental care, avoiding routine checkups increases the risk of complications that may require treatment. 

Neglecting your oral health by missing out on vital appointments means when you do need our help, you may have severe symptoms which add to your anxiety more. Attending appointments regularly ensures your smile stays healthy and builds a relationship and familiarity between you and your dentist. 

What Can I Do To Overcome My Dental Anxiety?

The good news is that you don’t have to live in fear of dental care. There are many simple steps you can take to manage your anxiety. 

Identify Your Triggers

Identifying what you’re afraid of is an essential first step in fighting the fear. Together, we can find ways for you to avoid or manage your discomfort. 

Talk To Us

We’re understanding and compassionate professionals who want the best for you. Talking to us about your anxieties helps us adapt our practices to accommodate your needs. 

Bring Someone Supportive

You don’t have to come alone. Bringing your partner, a family member, or a friend can help you feel more comfortable. Often, having a trusted person with you naturally lowers your stress or anxiety levels. 

Opt for Pain-free Injections

At Platinum Dental Care, we offer pain-free injections. The Wand removes any anxiety you may have about receiving an anaesthetic. This tool helps gently manage your comfort levels without any sudden injections. 

Distract Yourself

As you wait for your appointment, your anxiety levels are likely to rise. Bring something with you to take your mind off your appointment. Books and puzzles can help, as can music or podcasts. 

Use Mindfulness and Grounding

If your anxiety levels rise, you may experience a sense of panic. Panic attacks can be avoided through deep breathing and grounding. 

Take long, slow breaths in. Hold your breath for a few seconds and then slowly release it. This type of breathing helps regulate your heart rate and nervous system and can take you out of fight-or-flight mode. 

Grounding techniques are also a good way to distract you from thoughts of possible dangers. This could involve identifying things in your environment or slowly scanning your body mentally to identify how each area feels.  

Seek Further Support 

If you have a more severe form of dental phobia, it might be worth discussing it with a doctor or counsellor. Your GP may prescribe medication that could help, while a counsellor could help you manage anxious thoughts. 

Compassionate Dentistry in London

Anxiety can impact your ability to get the care you need to maintain a healthy smile. We can help. Talk to us about your dental anxiety, and we can find ways to manage it together. 

Contact us today to book your next appointment.