Dental anxiety is a real life condition suffered by millions of Americans and often that level of stress is kicked off by a fear of dental pain. There is no arguing that anxiety and pain go hand-in-hand and can contribute to a vicious cycle. Individuals concerned about dental pain must first implement a process to reduce the anxiety levels associated with the fear. Once addressed, patients can take steps to ensure that their dentist takes the proper measures to ensure that a dental visit is virtually pain free.

Erroneously, dental treatments such as filling a cavity or root canal are thought to be extremely painful. The reality is that these dental services reduce oral discomfort and the same stands true for a myriad of treatments. If you keep using those dental pain excuses to avoid getting dental care, it is time to put mind of matter and conquer the demon.

Find a Dentist

Regardless of the trigger, anxiety levels are always lower when individuals are comfortable with their surroundings. Typically, dental offices do not meet those criteria and that is especially true for individuals visiting a dental clinic for the first time. That is why individuals looking to lower their levels of discomfort, should address their anxiety and take the time to find a trustworthy dentist and check out the office space prior to an appointment. This process will instantly create a sense of familiarity and to put patients minds at ease.

Finding a great dentist is not so difficult. Individuals can ask their friends if they have any recommendations and then expand the candidate pool by getting the contact information of screened dentists. With list in hand, a patient can start making phone calls and interview the team that will be responsible for implementing pain free dentistry. Individuals need to be open and honest about their fears so the staff can be provided with the opportunity to address them. If a phone call makes a person feel even more uncomfortable, then chances are that is not the right dental practice and another one further down the list will be a better fit.

Prior to making a formal appointment an individual should feel free to visit and tour the dental clinic in question. By expressing that desire to the receptionist, they can let you know the best time to arrive, provide a tour and even introduce you to the dentist in question. Once a person gets a chance to see the office, team and tools first hand, they can start positively visualizing their dental care experience and effectively lower levels of both anxiety and pain.

Honesty

Honesty is always the best policy and denying a level of dental health can only serve to exasperate pain and discomfort. The defence mechanism of denial can temporarily provide a person relief, but in connection to dental problems, it will only make matters worse.

While some dental issues such as an abscess or tooth staining are clearly visible to the naked eye, other conditions such as dying tooth pulp or tooth sensitivity need to be verbally expressed to ensure accuracy of diagnosis and treatment. Individuals must tell their dentist about any discomfort, the last time they received an exam or cleanings and admit the truth regarding their dental care behaviours. That honestly will provide a dentist with an accurate picture of oral health; provide them with the perimeters they need to develop both the correct and least painful tooth remedy available.

Another key element to eliminating dental pain is to avoid self-medicating. Data has shown that more than half of all insured Americans are taking some type of prescription drug and medication for anxiety disorders are a large part of the mix. Those suffering from the condition find sweet relief in a number of options including prescription narcotics and while the magic pills will reduce anxiety, they can also deaden the senses and prevent a patient from accurately describing their dental condition. If at all possible (AKA doctor approved) individuals should hold off on taking that Xanax or Valium until they have thoroughly discussed their dental health with their new provider.

Sedation Dentistry and Technology

Some dental pain is not a mind over matter situation, as nerves can tell no lie. People with severe tooth sensitivity or those needing elaborate dental work may be able to get a complete pain free dental experiencing by choosing sedation dentistry. A skilled sedation dentist will have all the medicines and painkillers a consumer needs to deal with any level of dental discomfort.

Contemporary dental offices are no longer filled with bottles of Ether and foot operated drills. Those infected with gum disease may be able to avoid scalpels and stitches courtesy of laser gum surgery. Additionally treating tooth decay no longer requires the thrill of a drill as air abrasion can properly clean out the affected tooth area and prepare a tooth for treatment. According to 0900-DENTIST, “…air abrasion eliminates the sound, heat and vibrations of dental drills,” and that can lower levels of both anxiety and discomfort.