Anti-anxiety Options
Dental anxiety is used to define anxiety, stress, and fear experienced before or during a dental sitting. It has been associated with specific triggers like needles, drills, dental instruments and sometimes, the whole dental sitting. Some people experience dental anxiety on levels so high that they completely avoid visiting the dentist. Dental anxiety or dental phobia affects your oral health adversely and leads to worsening of oral diseases. You may experience dental anxiety due to any of the following reasons:
- A traumatic dental or medical experience in the past.
- Trauma to the head and neck in the past.
- General traumatic experiences like abuse.
- Generalized anxiety, depression, claustrophobia or stress disorder.
- Feeling of invasion while the dentist is looking into your mouth.
- Fear of losing control.
- General trust issues
However, we at Murray Dental Care provide an array of techniques to decrease pain and control dental anxiety or dental phobia.
What are the symptoms of dental anxiety?
Some of the signs and symptoms associated with dental anxiety are as follows:
- Persistent sweating.
- Racing heartbeat or increased heart palpitation rate.
- Low blood pressure.
- Losing consciousness.
- Crying for no evident reason.
- Panic attacks associated with withdrawal.
- Missing dental appointments purposely or postponing them regardless of the complexity of the situation.
What are the various anti-anxiety options?
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy helps prevent dental anxiety by addressing the emotional factors that contribute to the fear of dental visits. Through techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), patients learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts about dental procedures. This process equips them with coping strategies and relaxation techniques, fostering a sense of calm and confidence. By transforming their mindset, psychotherapy enables patients to approach dental care more comfortably and with reduced anxiety.
Medications
Medications can be an effective anti-anxiety treatment option for preventing dental anxiety by helping patients relax before and during their dental visits. Commonly prescribed medications, such as benzodiazepines, work by reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. These medications can be taken before appointments to alleviate nervousness, making patients feel more comfortable receiving dental care. By managing anxiety levels, medications can help improve the overall dental experience and encourage regular visits.
Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help prevent dental anxiety by promoting well-being and reducing stress. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep improve mental health, enhancing resilience against anxiety. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing can further alleviate feelings of nervousness associated with dental visits. By fostering a holistic approach to health, individuals can build confidence and reduce anxiety, leading to a more positive dental experience.
These options are designed to help reduce anxiety and make dental visits more manageable for patients.
Please communicate with your dentist regarding anxiety issues and your dentist will choose the best anti-anxiety option for you. At Murray Dental Care of Cupertino, our entire team of dentists and hygienists is committed to providing supreme quality dental care to our patients and their families. If you are inclined towards taking the first steps to improve your dental health and hygiene, call us at (408) 253-5277 to book an appointment.
