I Have Dental Phobia: Can You Help?

Dental phobia affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Many elements of a dental experience can trigger anxiety and fear, from needles and drilling to the sights, sounds, and even smells in the office. 

Dental phobia can make getting the dental care you need difficult or impossible. The good news is there are techniques to help you manage your fear and anxiety before your next appointment. 

Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our team at the Center for Implant and Esthetic Dentistry provide restorative and cosmetic dentistry services in a comfortable and compassionate setting at our office in Beverly Hills, California.

Understanding your dental phobia

There are many types of dental phobia. Understanding your specific triggers and what makes you feel anxious or fearful about going to the dentist can help you find coping mechanisms to help you relax at your next appointment.

Here are the most common dental phobias:

• Fear of specific dental procedures
• Fear of dental equipment like needles or drills
• Fear of pain
• Sensitive gag reflex
• Sensory issues, including sensitivity to light, loud noises, or crowded spaces
• General anxiety about being in a dentist’s office
• Sensitivity to smells in a dental office
• Fear or embarrassment about how your teeth look
• Trauma from past dental experiences

Whether you know exactly what you’re afraid of, need help pinpointing the underlying cause of your anxiety, or have a combination of dental phobias, we can help. Contact us before your appointment to discuss your concerns, and let us know if you have specific needs. 

Our team will work with you to ensure your appointment and treatment are as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Tips and tricks to manage your dental phobia

Making and keeping dental appointments can be difficult when dealing with dental phobias. But ignoring or putting off dental care can severely affect your oral and general health. 

Dental problems, like tooth decay and gum disease, worsen over time, so putting off treatment means you may need more invasive and expensive treatment later on.

Here are a few tips and tricks to make your next appointment less stressful:

• Schedule your appointment at the time of day you feel most relaxed
• Bring a friend or family member for support
• Ask questions about your treatment
• Practice breathing and meditation techniques to help you stay calm
• Bring noise-canceling headphones or your favorite music, media, or book
• Make positive associations by rewarding yourself after each appointment
• Establish a dental home and schedule a dental exam and cleaning every six months
• Ask us about sedation dentistry

Developing a relationship with your dentists and establishing a “dental home” can put you at ease and make you feel more comfortable at your appointments.

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental visit, call us today, and a team member will guide you through scheduling an appointment.

For more information and tips and tricks to ease your dental phobia, contact our Beverly Hills office.