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Are you afraid of going to the dentist? You are not alone in this fear. Millions of people around the world experience it every day. However, it is important not to let this fear keep you from attending regular dental checkups and getting necessary dental work done. Keep reading to learn more about dental phobias and how to overcome them.

Why You Might Fear the Dental Chair

There are many reasons you might fear going to the dentist. Here are some of the most common:

The Many Downsides of Dental Avoidance

Unfortunately, avoiding going to the dentist puts you at risk of developing many harmful oral health conditions. These can include:

12 Anxiety Tips from Our Dentist in Mississauga

If you are ready to start working on your dental anxiety, our dentist in Mississauga has some tips to help you get started

1. Look for the Right Dentist

Some dentists are better at serving anxious patients than others. Look for an understanding dentist who is willing to take things slowly and offer additional explanations when needed. You will feel much better knowing that you can take things at your own pace and always get the reassurance you need.

2. Do Not Go Alone

Taking a friend, family member, or significant other with you can make dental visits much less scary. Have them sit with you during your appointment and act as an advocate for you if needed. A good family or emergency dentist in Mississauga will understand why they need to be there and will have no problem with them remaining in the room during your treatment.

3. Do Not Arrive Too Early

If you spend too much time waiting for your appointment to begin, you will become more and more stressed with every passing minute. Instead, try to arrive just before your scheduled appointment time. This reduces your opportunities to catastrophize the situation in your mind.

4. Ask About Sedation

Many dentists offer sedation during procedures – even routine cleanings. Ask your dentist whether this option is available for you and how the sedative would be administered. Dentists may use nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas), oral sedatives, IV sedation, and other methods to help keep you calm.

5. Let Your Dentist Know If Something Hurts

While mild discomfort is normal, dental procedures should never be painful. If you experience pain during your dental visit, this may be a sign that you are not properly anesthetized. Let your dentist know what you are feeling so they can adjust your anesthesia as needed.

6. Ask Questions

Your dentist should be happy to answer any questions you have during your visit. Learning more about what is going on may help soothe your fears, especially if the procedure is new to you. Hearing your dentist’s calm, professional voice walk you through every step of the process will let you know that you are in good hands.

7. Take Breaks

If your anxiety becomes too much during your procedure, ask your dental team for a break. This will give you some time to calm down and may help you avoid spiralling into a full panic. You can do this anytime you feel the need to, even when under the care of specialists like an oral surgeon in Mississauga. A good dentist will understand and will not rush you.

8. Speak Up

Your dentist may not know that you have dental anxiety unless you tell them so. Mention your fears when booking your appointment, and the staff will note them in your file and be prepared to offer the appropriate solutions. You can also remind your dental team during your appointment so they know to try to accommodate you. Remember that they are here to help you and will not judge you for effectively communicating your needs.

9. Agree on a Signal

Many people worry that they will be unable to communicate their needs during a dental procedure because they cannot speak or move. To avoid this, agree on a signal that you can use to let your dental team know you need a break. This signal could be as simple as raising your left hand for a few seconds. Let your dentist and their staff know what you will do, and they will respond appropriately when you need them.

10. Practice Box Breathing

Box breathing is a simple mindfulness technique that will help you regulate your breathing and keep your mind focused. To do it, breathe in deeply for four seconds, hold that breath for four seconds, then breathe out for four seconds. Do this in the waiting room before your appointment and during breaks over the course of your procedure to keep yourself grounded and calm.

11. Do Not Let One Bad Experience Dictate the Rest

It is important to keep trying to overcome your fears of the dentist, even if you have had bad experiences with other dental offices in Mississauga in the past. You deserve to have good oral health, and you will need the help of a qualified dental team to achieve that.

12. Find the Right Dentist

Finding a compassionate and well-trained dentist is the most important thing you can do to work toward getting over your dental anxieties. A good dentist will understand what you are going through and will do everything they can to help you get the care you need. You will be surprised at how much easier your dental visits will be when you know and trust your dental team.

Get the Best Dental Experience with Our Friendly Dentist in Mississauga

Dental visits do not have to be terrifying experiences. Let Trillium Smile Dentistry show you what a good experience at the dentist looks like. Our experienced and welcoming staff are adept at helping anxious patients get the care they need. Contact us today to book your appointment and start working on dismantling your fear of the dentist.