St. Paul Family Dentist Discusses Ways to Cope with Dental Anxiety

Written by Drs. Mark and Rachel Malterud on Mar 10, 2015

At our St. Paul Family Dentist Office, your comfort and well being are of the greatest importance to our team. We work closely with you to reduce stress and provide painless and efficient treatments. We employ the most recent technological advancements including minimally invasive procedures that reduce your time in the chair and potential discomfort.

But these factors alone may not give you the peace of mind you’re looking for when visiting your dentist. So what can you do to help alleviate this anxiety? Feeling a loss of being in control contributes to dental phobia. Here are some practical tips to help you feel more in control during your dental appointments and hopefully reduce your stress level.

Communicate with your dentist – You may find it embarrassing to talk about your fear, but your dentist needs to be aware of your anxiety in order to take the necessary precautions during treatment.

Agree on a signal – Patients are often afraid that the dentist won’t know when and if they are experiencing pain or anxiety, and this contributes to their fear. Agree to a signal with your dentist beforehand. A simple “stop” hand signal can be used to alert your dentist to your discomfort immediately.

Use a throat spray – If you worry about gagging, sprays used for sore throats can help to keep the gag reflex under control for the duration of the appointment.

Sedation – Sedation offers an excellent solution for many patients who would not otherwise be able to endure the treatment. Discuss the different types of sedation options available with your dentist before the appointment so you know exactly what to expect.

The best way to combat dental phobia, however, is to gather information beforehand. At our St. Paul Family Dentist Office we are always available for a consultation to discuss procedures and treatments to help you understand exactly what your appointment will involve.