Do you feel anxious when visiting the dentist? Have you been avoiding the dentist for some time due to fear and anxiety? Researchers estimate that 3 out of every 10 American adults avoid their regular dental appointments because of fear and anxiety.
Dental phobia is a serious condition that prevents people from getting the dental care they need. This is one of the common dental concerns that can affect people at any age.
Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be painful or stressful. Our highly-trained staff spends time with each patient to educate them on their condition and treatment options.
It is very important to communicate with us if you suffer from dental fear so that we can take the necessary steps to help you. Avoiding the dentist due to your dental anxiety can lead to many dental concerns, including the following:
- Tooth Cavities
- Gum Disease
- Plaque Build-Up
- Early Tooth Loss
- Damaged Teeth
- Yellow or Stained Teeth
- Serious issue including heart disease and diabetes
Our Owings Mills, MD, dentist Dr. Ed Lazer offers oral-conscious sedation to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatments at our dental practice. Our dental practice is a comfortable and relaxing environment for all ages. To learn more about our dental sedation potions, see Sedation dentistry.
Causes of Dental Anxiety
There are many reasons people have a fear of going to the dentist. People who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD or who are Bi-polar or schizophrenic are more susceptible to suffering from dental anxiety or dental phobias. Dental fear can be associated with drills, needles or the doctor-like setting. The following are some of the reasons our patients seek sedation options:
- Traumatic dental experience in the past
- Fear of perceived pain
- Feeling helpless/loss of control
- Embarrassment due to the condition of teeth and gums
- Fear of pain
- Fear of humiliation
- Fear of being in a small space
- Fear of not being in control
- Fear of choking
- Fear of the unknown
- Strong gag reflex
- Fear of feeling powerless or helpless
- Unfamiliarity with the dentist or their staff
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to understand that dental anxiety is a real and common issue that affects many individuals. If you are dealing with dental anxiety, please seek support from our dentist or an experienced mental health professional. With the right help, you can address your fears and move towards a healthier and happier life.
Patient Education: Overcoming Dental Anxiety
For those who suffer from dental anxiety, it can be an emotionally and physically uncomfortable experience. But it doesn’t have to be. There are steps you can take to help you conquer your fear and visit the dentist with ease. It is important to understand that the dentist is there to help you and although it may not seem like it, getting regular dental checkups is critical to your overall health.
Taking small steps to help ease your anxiety is the first step. Start by doing some research. Look up information about the dentist you are visiting, read reviews, and ask your friends and family for their experience.
Knowing more about the dentist and their practice can make the experience less intimidating. Additionally, call the office ahead of time and ask questions. Talking to our front desk staff can provide a better picture of what to expect when you visit.
Another way to feel the most comfortable is by having a fundamental understanding of their condition and treatment. Our Owings Mills, MD dentists will take the time with each patient to fully explain why the dental problems are happening and what we can do to fix them.
Talk to our dentist ahead of time. Explain your fear and ask us for tips and advice on how to make the experience as painless as possible. Our dentist may also suggest relaxation techniques or offer oral-conscious sedation to help you feel more comfortable.
Additionally, bringing a friend or family member to your appointment can help you feel more relaxed and in control. Using these tips and advice from your dentist, you can start by taking small steps to ease into your dental visit.
For example, you can ask to take a brief tour of the office and meet the staff before your treatment begins. This can help you become more familiar with the environment and more comfortable with our team of professionals who will be helping you.
Dental Anxiety Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare mentally before a dental appointment to ease my anxiety?
Begin by discussing your worries with us so they know how to support you. You can also practice relaxation techniques like slow, deep breathing or mindfulness exercises. Picture a successful appointment, focusing on how great your teeth will feel afterward.
Arriving at your appointment early can help you settle in and reduce last-minute stress. Consistency is key—frequent positive visits help build a sense of comfort over time.
What if I don’t want sedatives but still need help coping with dental anxiety?
You can explore non-medical strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy, guided relaxation techniques, or distraction methods (such as listening to music or podcasts). Some dentists offer a calm atmosphere with soothing visuals or aromatherapy.
Deep breathing exercises can also lower stress levels. Pre-visit phone calls or office tours help patients feel more prepared. Communicating openly about one’s fears allows the dental team to tailor a more comforting experience.
Will multiple calm dental experiences eventually help me overcome anxiety?
Yes, positive encounters build trust and counteract past fears. Each time you go in without pain or distress, you teach your mind that the dentist’s office isn’t scary. Over time, this repeated reinforcement can lessen or even eliminate anxiety.
Regular checkups also mean fewer complicated procedures, which further lowers stress. With patience and professional support, many patients gradually shed their dental fears.
Can I combine sedation with noise-canceling headphones or music to reduce dental anxiety from drilling sounds?
Absolutely! Yes, you can absolutely combine sedation with noise-reduction methods during dental procedures. Many dentists encourage using headphones while under sedation to help block out drilling sounds and create a more relaxing experience. Combining calming music or noise cancellation with sedation often helps anxious patients feel more comfortable during treatment.
Can sedation help if I’m terrified of needles or the sight of dental tools?
Sedation can reduce anxiety to the point where you barely register the presence of needles or instruments. Nitrous oxide and oral sedatives help ease your nerves before seeing anything. This calmer state makes it easier for the dental team to do their work. The goal is to keep you relaxed throughout, minimizing visual triggers. Talk with us about your specific fears so they can tailor the approach.
Could relaxation techniques at home reduce my dental anxiety overall?
Yes, practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or even short meditation sessions at home helps lower baseline anxiety. These methods train your body to stay calmer in stressful situations, including dental visits. Consistency is important.
Daily practice makes calming down feel more natural. These techniques often significantly ease dental fears when combined with good communication and sedation options. A calmer mindset leads to smoother appointments.
Can mindfulness techniques help with dental anxiety, and if so, how?
Yes, mindfulness techniques can help manage dental anxiety by calming your nervous system and shifting focus away from fear. Deep breathing exercises slow your heart rate and reduce muscle tension, making you feel more in control.
Visualization techniques like imagining a peaceful place can help distract your mind from the procedure. Practicing mindfulness trains your brain to stay calm in stressful situations, including dental visits. Combining mindfulness with sedation or relaxation aids, like music, can make appointments much easier to handle.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
If you suffer from dental anxiety in Baltimore, MD and Owings Mills, Dr. Ed Lazer offers several options to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatments. Our compassionate dental team has helped countless patients overcome their dental anxiety so they can get the care they need to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Schedule an appointment today and be sure to mention your fear of the dentist so that we can prepare to help you through your visit. Call (410) 697-6290 or request a consultation online anytime.