How can I deal with dental anxiety or fear of the dentist?

Dealing with dental anxiety or fear of the dentist is essential to maintain good oral health and receive necessary dental care. Here are some strategies to help you cope with dental anxiety and make your dental visits more comfortable:

1. Communicate with Your Dentist: Let Dr Kris and dental staff know about your fears and anxieties upon booking. Open communication will help them understand your concerns and provide appropriate support during your visits.
2. Choose a Supportive Dentist: Dr Kris is highly experienced in treating patients with dental anxiety and has a friendly, empathetic demeanour.
3. Schedule a Consultation: Before any major dental procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr Kris to discuss the treatment plan, the process involved, and any potential discomfort or pain management techniques.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or mindfulness exercises to calm your nerves before and during the dental visit.
5. Bring a Distraction: Bring headphones and listen to soothing music or an audiobook during the appointment to distract yourself from dental procedures.
6. Request Sedation Dentistry: If your anxiety is severe, ask your dentist about sedation options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation to help you relax during the appointment. For large or complex treatments, we can get the assistance of an Anaesthetist who can provide a deeper twilight sedation for an even more comfortable experience.
7. Gradual Exposure: If you have significant dental anxiety, start with less invasive treatments or simple check-ups to build your confidence and gradually get accustomed to the dental environment.
8. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward yourself after dental visits, regardless of how small the progress may seem. Positive reinforcement can help you associate dental visits with positive experiences. This is especially important for children who have anxiety about coming to the dentist.
9. Bring a Support Person: Have a trusted friend or family member accompany you to your dental appointments for emotional support.
10. Consider Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with dental anxiety.

Remember that dental anxiety is common, and dentists are accustomed to helping patients with dental fears. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining oral health and preventing potential problems from becoming more severe. By actively managing your anxiety and seeking support from your dentist, you can take significant steps toward overcoming dental fear and maintaining a healthy smile.