Dental Anxiety
Overcome Dental Anxiety
Don't let dental anxiety prevent you from getting the care you need. At Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove and nearby areas, we offer solutions to help empower patients with dental anxiety to address their dental problems. Call (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Having dental anxiety, also referred to as dental phobia, is when individuals experience an intense fear of going to the dentist. Despite knowing that their fear is unreasonable, they struggle to control it. This fear can be so overwhelming that they only seek dental care when absolutely necessary due to severe pain. Additional symptoms of dental anxiety may include:
- Escalating feelings of nervousness in a dentist’s waiting room
- Feelings of intense unease at the thought of a dentist placing objects in the mouth during treatment
- Physical reactions at the thought of visiting the dentist
- Trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment
Dental anxiety can sometimes become so severe that it is considered pathological. Patients who feel that their dental anxiety is significantly affecting their daily life may benefit from psychiatric treatment.
“People with dental anxiety are aware that their fear is irrational, but have little to no means of managing it.”
Causes of Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety can affect patients of all ages and backgrounds, with various factors contributing to their unease. These factors may include fear of anesthesia, injections, pain, embarrassment, and helplessness. While these reasons are valid, they do not have to control a patient's dental experience. It is important for patients to communicate openly and honestly with their dentist about their anxieties, as this is the first step in managing phobias. At Cedar Grove Dental Group, we believe that effective communication is essential for a successful relationship between dentist and patient.
“Patients should be open and honest with their dentist about their anxieties, as this is the first step to phobia management.”
Coping with Dental Anxiety
To effectively manage dental anxiety, it is important to find a supportive dentist who is willing to address your concerns. Patients should inquire about recommended coping strategies and establish a signal to communicate if they need a break during treatment. Mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises and body scans, can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety during dental appointments.
Patients may also find relief by using distractions like wearing headphones or keeping their hands occupied. It is crucial for patients to communicate any sensitivity to pain, even with local anesthesia, and to openly discuss their fears with their dentist. By being open and asking questions, patients can work with their dentist to create a personalized plan to address their dental anxiety.
“There is no need for patients to feel embarrassed about asking questions or being open about their fear.”
Sedation & Dental Anxiety
Patients with severe dental anxiety may need more intensive management strategies, such as:
- Relative Analgesia: Also known as "laughing gas," this treatment involves patients receiving a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a mask. It takes effect quickly and wears off quickly, leaving patients awake but relaxed during the procedure.
- Anxiety Medication: Typically in pill form, anxiety medication for dental anxiety can be prescribed by a dentist or doctor. Patients take a single, short-acting dose about an hour before their appointment.
- Conscious Sedation: Administered through IV by a sedation dentist or anesthetist, conscious sedation allows patients to drift into a light sleep, known as "twilight sedation."
- General Anesthesia: The most intense form of sedation, general anesthesia is given through a combination of IV medication and inhaled gases. Patients are fully asleep and will need pre- and post-operative care.
Our team of experts carefully assesses each patient and dental procedure to determine the most suitable form of sedation. We prioritize your comfort and work closely with you to ensure a comfortable experience.
“Some patients with more severe dental anxiety may require more intensive management measures.”
Children & Dental Anxiety
Parents often feel anxious about their child's dental appointments, but it's important to stay calm. Children can sense their parents' anxiety, so it's best not to mention any potential pain or offer rewards for going to the dentist. Instead, parents should focus on the importance of dental hygiene and provide simple, non-threatening information about the appointment. Dentists are trained to handle children's questions and concerns, so it's best to let them take the lead.
