Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Spoil Your Smile

20 / 04 / 2018

Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Spoil Your Smile

Nervous Patients Are More Likely To Suffer From Oral Health Issues

If you start to feel anxious as your dental appointment approaches, you are not alone. The reality is that most people exhibit at least some signs of anxiety when they are due to see the dentist. Whilst this is understandable if you are due to undergo a procedure, quite a few people become anxious even when a simple check-up is due.

There are a number of theories as to why this might be the case. Perhaps the most convincing is that we particularly worry about dental treatment due to all of our major senses such as sight, sound and smell being located in the head area, in close proximity to where we are receiving treatment.

Staying Calm At The Dentist

Whilst some level of anxiety is understandable, it is important to try to remain calm enough to keep your appointment. Whether you are due to have a check-up at the Lighthouse Dental Practice or undergo a procedure, it is important that you keep the appointment if you can. If you need a procedure and delay it, the likelihood is that the situation will become worse and may eventually require more extensive dental surgery. There is also a real chance that you will end up seeking an emergency appointment due to being in pain or discomfort.

Even missing your check-up can have consequences. These are usually carried out every six months at our Ipswich practice; frequently enough to be able to detect and treat most problems whilst they are in their early stages. Even if you think that you look after your teeth well and that they are healthy, there may be problems such as small cracks or decay or even gum disease, that you may not be aware of.

Treating Nervous Patients

At The Lighthouse Dental Practice, we pride ourselves on being gentle dentists. Whilst some invasive treatment may be necessary from time to time, we will always try to retain as much of the natural tooth as possible. Our dentists will make sure that you are as relaxed and comfortable as possible and will encourage you to indicate if you are feeling distressed and need to take a short break to recover before proceeding with the treatment.

For those whose level of anxiety is very high, there is also the option of sedation. This is especially useful for longer treatments, such as dental implant placement. This does not put you to sleep but will put you in a state of total relaxation for the duration of the treatment.

Above all, it is important that you do not neglect your oral health care because of your anxiety. We are always happy to discuss this problem with our patients and work out the best way for you to receive regular dental care. If you would like to discuss this with us or, or for any other matter such as appointments, please call our Ipswich dental practice on 01473 257379.

We are here to help you.
If you would like to speak to a member of our friendly team about any of the issues in this article please visit our contact page or call us on 01473 257379.