Anxiety

The thought of going to the dentist can cause anxiety, and that’s a normal reaction. It’s estimated that between 15 and 40 percent of Americans are affected by dental anxiety, so most dentists have experience with helping to ease their patients’ anxiety. At DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re happy to help patients struggling with this common issue.

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Signs You Have Dental Anxiety

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Not sure whether you have dental anxiety? One of the most common signs of dental anxiety includes feeling nervous when thinking about going to the dentist and avoiding making appointments or delaying dental treatments until absolutely necessary. Some people also have difficulty sleeping the night before their dental appointment. More severe cases of dental anxiety can include physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating and shaking.

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Why Do People Experience Dental-Related Anxiety?

There are many causes of dental anxiety, and different people may feel anxious for different reasons. Some common causes of dental anxiety include:

The fear of pain

Feeling as if you are not in control or are helpless

Feeling embarrassed about the condition of your teeth

Recalling your own past experiences or the experiences of your family and friends

The fear of needles, drills and gagging

Anticipating costly and/or extensive treatment

Alleviating Dental Anxiety

The best method to alleviate dental anxiety is unique to every patient. There are a few best practices you can follow to help minimize your dental anxiety, including:

Talk with your dentist. He or she can help dispel any negative or frightening perceptions you may have. Having an understanding of your dental health and the dental services or treatment that you and your dentist have discussed and decided upon will help to relieve dental anxiety. Ask questions, and request informational materials.

Avoid caffeine and sugar. Before a dental appointment, limit your intake of caffeine and sugar as they may make you anxious.

Schedule early. Choose dental appointment times that are early in the day, before you have the chance to become stressed or rushed.

Focus on relaxing. Breathe regularly and slowly during the procedure. When you are nervous you tend to hold your breath, which decreases oxygen levels and further increases feelings of panic.

Use your hands. Before your treatment begins, talk to your doctor about hand signals you can use to inform the dentist when you are uncomfortable.

What If My Self-Relaxation Attempts Don’t Work?

Before your appointment, you can ask your dentist about sedation. There are different types of sedation methods that dentists use to help patients relax. The most common are inhaled (breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen) and oral (taking  medication by mouth). Another type of sedation is intravenous (IV). Sedation will make you feel more relaxed and even sleepy. It is safe when administered by a trained dentist, but it’s important that you talk with your dentist about any potential risks and questions that you have.

Let Us Help You With Your Dental Anxiety

If not addressed, dental anxiety can lead to unnecessary oral health problems as a result of avoidance behavior, which can ultimately lead to more time spent in the dental chair to receive more extensive and potentially costly treatment. Regular six-month preventive checkups help detect oral health problems early and acquaint you with the dental office and procedures you may feel anxious about. Remember: When it comes to dental anxiety, knowledge is the greatest defense! Contact our team today to learn more about how we can help alleviate dental anxiety and schedule your next appointment.

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For more information on dental anxiety or to schedule an appointment, call us at (202) 363-2810 or visit our contact page.

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SERVING THE WASHINGTON DC AREA SINCE 2017

At DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer comprehensive and personalized dental care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care using state-of-the-art techniques and technologies. We are committed to providing safe, effective treatments that will help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile. 

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DC Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry provides patients with exceptional dental care. Our experienced dentists and staff strive to ensure that each visit is a pleasant experience. We are proud of the relationships we have established with our patients over the years and thank them for their loyalty and trust. To see what our current patients have to say about our comprehensive dental services, check out our reviews! 

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