Coping with Dental Anxiety

Are you nervous or scared when thinking about visiting the dentist? You're not alone! Fearing a poor assessment of your oral health or a procedure that may be painful could be the root of your fears. If you find yourself anxious in the dental office, consider the following to help reduce potential anxiety.

Prepare ahead of time to reduce stress

Book your appointment during a low-stress time of day. This may help you not feel rushed and stressed to get there on time. Avoiding caffeine before a dental appointment and eating high-protein, low-sugar foods may help you feel calm or less agitated.

Let us know!

We can help! Not only is our team well-qualified to take care of your teeth and gums, but we’re here to help you make your visit as enjoyable as possible! We have many tools and toys to help distract you or keep your mind better occupied during your visit. These include headphones and televisions in our hygiene or procedure rooms. You may simply prefer an understanding and helpful voice to walk you through what to expect.

Breathing relaxation

Before you begin your appointment, consider a deep breathing relaxing exercise. Inhale slowly and then exhale for the same length of time. Repeat this while you’re waiting for your appointment, or during breaks while you’re sitting in the dental chair. Focusing on your breathing may help to centre yourself and reduce anxiety.

Opt for Nitrous Oxide or On-Site Fully Asleep Dentistry

If dental anxiety is a concern, we offer 2 excellent sedation options at our Newmarket Dental office to ensure your comfort. Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, can be a great solution for those with extremely sensitive teeth, gag reflexes, or fear of needles and dental tools. The gas is administered through a mask placed over your nose. After just 30 seconds to 5 minutes of breathing, you'll begin to feel a pleasant level of sedation or calmness. Throughout the process, our specially-trained dental team will monitor you closely.

For those who prefer a deeper level of sedation, we also offer on-site fully asleep dentistry. This option allows you to undergo your dental procedures while you are completely asleep, ensuring you feel no discomfort or anxiety during your treatment. Our team will provide you with all the information you need to feel secure and informed about this option.

Dental anxiety keeps many sufferers away from receiving the proper dental care they need, which can lead to compounding oral issues in the future. If anxiety has been keeping you from the dentist, try the personal strategies above to reduce stress and speak to a member of our team! Book an appointment with us and be sure to mention your interest in either nitrous oxide or fully asleep dentistry for a low-anxiety experience.