Why There’s No Need to Fear the Dentist This Halloween

It’s almost the time of year for haunted house visits and horror movie marathons. Even if these spooky activities don’t scare you, going to the dentist might. In fact, an estimated 75% of Americans suffer from some degree of dental fear or anxiety. Whether you’ve had a bad experience with a dentist in the past or you’re nervous about pain, the dentist’s office is one place you don’t need to be scared of this Halloween! Keep reading to learn why there’s nothing to fear about scheduling an appointment with your dentist.

Common Causes of Dental Anxiety

It’s normal to feel a little nervous before a dental visit. However, some people freeze up in fear at the thought of stepping into their dentist’s office. Dental anxiety is typically the result of:

• Fear about being judged for the condition of the mouth.
• A negative experience at a past dental appointment.
• Stress about treatment costs.
• Worry that treatment will hurt.
• Fear of needles or the unfamiliar instruments that dentists use.

How Sedation Dentistry Can Help

Even though anxiety can make the very thought of a dental appointment terrifying, sedation dentistry makes it easy for fearful patients to get the care they need. Most dentists offer two types of sedation: nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation.

Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. This odorless gas sends gentle waves of relaxation through your body, making your procedure worry-free. The effects wear off soon after you stop breathing in the gas.

Oral conscious sedation is recommended for more extreme cases of dental fear. With this option, your dentist prescribes a potent anti-anxiety medication that can last for several hours after your appointment.

Both types of dental sedation help you relax enough to undergo the treatments your smile needs. Plus, you probably won’t remember much of your appointment!

Reasons Why There’s No Need to Be Afraid of the Dentist

As nerve-wracking as booking dental visits can be, they’re essential in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. In addition to sedation, here are some other reasons to not fear the dentist:

• Dentists understand that many patients are nervous, and they’ll do their best to make sure you’re comfortable.
• The longer you wait to seek treatment (or go without routine checkups), the more likely it is that you’ll need expensive procedures.
• If you let your dentist know about any bad experiences you’ve had before, they’ll consider that and make you feel as safe as possible.

With all of the spooky events that are happening at this time of year, there’s no need to be scared of the dentist. The right dentist can help you overcome your fear and maintain a healthy smile this Halloween and for many more to come!

About the Author

At Wethersfield Dental Group, Dr. Ukti Phadnis strives to build long-term relationships with her patients to ensure their appointments are comfortable. Her gentle chairside manner, as well as the fact that she offers both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, helps her patients feel relaxed while receiving the care their smiles need to thrive. If you’re looking to conquer your fear of the dentist, Dr. Phadnis would love to help! Contact her via her website or by calling 860-400-3007.