Dental anxiety is a term that is often used to describe fear, stress, or anxiety in a dental setting. Being afraid to visit your family dentist can result in delaying or avoiding critical treatment, leading to pain, discomfort, and even poor general health.
Often, patients with dental anxiety will experience:
- Racing heartbeat or palpitations
- Sweating
- Low blood pressure
- Visible signs of distress such as crying or panic
Luckily, dentists have several methods to help patients manage their dental anxiety and it’s important to let your oral healthcare professional know if you experience any level of stress because they can help tailor a treatment plan for you to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Our Calgary Family Dentists Can Help You Manage Your Dental Anxiety
Whatever the cause of your dental anxiety, whether it’s fear of a long and painful procedure, the perceived high costs, or a bad experience, our Calgary family dentists are committed to helping you manage your dental anxiety so you can receive the quality dental care you need.
For patients who suffer from severe dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry services, which is a safe and effective way to keep you relaxed and comfortable during your treatment.
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CONTACT OUR CALGARY FAMILY DENTIST
What Causes Fear of the Dentist?
Contrary to popular opinion, fear of the dentist is a common condition and it can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- A traumatic dental experience or other healthcare experience
- Previous trauma to the head or neck
- Trust issues
- Fear of loss of control
- The view that dental treatment is invasion of personal space
- General anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Anxiety associated with other conditions, such as claustrophobia or obsessive compulsive disorder
Such causes that result in avoiding the dentist can lead to the worsening of a dental condition, a greater need for emergency care, or even more complex and expensive treatment down the road, which is why it’s so important to talk to your dentist about any anxiety you’re experiencing, so they can help you manage it and get the treatment you need.
How Your Calgary Dentist Can Help You Manage Dental Anxiety
If you do suffer from dental anxiety, you are not alone. The good news is, your dentist can provide you with some tools and coping techniques that will help you feel more comfortable in the dental chair. These include:
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Distraction (listening to music or watching TV)
- Guided imagery
- Progressive muscle relaxation
Our Calgary Family Dentists Offer Safe and Effective Sedation Dentistry Services
Sedation dentistry allows your dentist to perform a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably on patients who experience anxiety at the thought of undergoing such procedures. Some of the benefits of this service include:
- Pain relief
- Faster treatment times
- Reduction in gag reflex
- Less fear and anxiety
- Greater comfort during dental treatment
If you are wondering whether sedation dentistry is right for you, it’s important to book a consultation with your Calgary dentist. They can help best determine whether or not this is a safe procedure for you.
IS SEDATION DENTISTRY RIGHT FOR YOU?
Call Today
To find out more about the costs and benefits of sedation dentistry and how our Calgary family dentists can help you manage your dental anxiety so you can receive the oral care you need, contact our Calgary dental clinic today at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.
