Dental Fear and Anxiety: Don't Let Your Fear Keep You Out of the Chair

AAP Patient Page, March/April 2001
Volume 2, No. 2

If your palms start sweating and your heart starts pounding at the thought of visiting the dentist, you are not alone. The vast majority of individuals experience some anxiety toward dentistry. However, about 10 to 15 percent of the population suffers from high anxiety, which has been associated with avoidance behaviors and adverse outcomes to dental health. It’s important to find ways to “unlearn” this dental fear because when dental professionals can catch a problem in your mouth early, it minimizes expense, time and discomfort. Here are some ideas:

• The first step is to identify where your fear came from. According to a recent AAP survey, periodontists report that the two most common origins for patient fear are family and friends or personal bad experience more than 10 years ago. Discuss your fear with family members, friends and your dental professionals. In many cases, the fears are no longer realistic because of advances in dentistry.


• Next, find ways to feel more in control of your experience. Ask your periodontist to explain any procedures being considered. Knowledge can be empowering. Your periodontist can also explain your options for techniques to control pain and stress, such as medications, anesthesia, sedation and relaxation techniques that can make your treatment virtually pain-free. And, you and your periodontist can agree on a signal, such as a raised hand, that will stop the procedure and allow you the opportunity to deal with your anxiety.


• Choose times for your appointments when you won’t be rushed or stressed by other issues. If you feel tense when you get into the dental chair, try relaxation techniques such as rhythmic breathing or visualizing calming scenarios such as relaxing on a beach. Or, distract yourself with an mp3 player or by focusing on something in the room.


• Once the dental visit is over, congratulate yourself for your courage and treat yourself to a special reward.


• Most importantly, remember that your dental professionals are your allies. Enlist their help in overcoming your fear by not being embarrassed to talk with them about it and by asking any questions you may have.

Don't let your anxiety keep you out of the dental chair any longer. If you want to learn more about curbing your dental fears, visit the American Academy of Periodontology Website. To read about sedation dentistry techniques, visit the website of Joseph R. Nemeth, DDS & Associates. Submit your questions directly to Dr. Nemeth by emailing jrn@drnemeth.com.