Dental Anxiety & Phobia Relief Treatment in Fresno, CA

Dental anxiety is a very common fear that occurs when you need to visit the dentist. This fear can lead to the deterioration of your teeth and gums. If you have dental disease, it can increasingly worsen without the proper treatment. This will lead to you needing more complex dental procedures that could very likely make your dental anxiety much worse. One of the best ways to avoid severe dental fear is by preventing serious dental diseases by maintaining good oral health and going to biannual routine checkups.

Dental anxiety can be triggered by a dentist’s office, dental checkups, or needles. Some of the most common causes of dental anxiety include:

• Trust issues
• Fear of not having control
• Past traumas and traumatic experiences
• Other anxieties such as OCD, agoraphobia, or claustrophobia
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Problems with people being in your personal area

Anyone who has any of the above concerns or who has had a previous bad experience at the dentist can be affected by dental anxiety. Studies have shown that up to 60% of people may experience some level of dental fear. It’s important to find a compassionate dentist that understands your fears and is accommodating to your needs.

Fortunately, there are many different coping strategies that can help you overcome dental anxiety. The five most effective ways to overcome dental anxiety include:

1. Relative Analgesia

Relative analgesia, otherwise known as happy gas, contains nitrous oxide which will help you relax. Patients who have severe anxiety may need happy gas to feel relaxed while still staying awake.

2. Oral Anxiolytic Tablets

Oral anxiolytic tablets are short-acting tablets taken an hour before your dental appointment. These tablets can help alleviate anxiety and help you stay relaxed throughout your dental procedure.

3. Psychological Coping Techniques

Psychological coping mechanisms such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, guided imagery, distraction, and weighted blankets are amazing techniques to reduce anxiety.

4. General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used for people who have severe dental anxiety and need a more complex procedure. If you go under general anesthesia, you will be completely asleep and won’t remember anything.

5. Conscious Sedation

Conscious sedation is provided by a dental sedationist and works through an intravenous drip. This will cause you to fall lightly asleep; however, you will still be able to respond to verbal prompts.

Some of the most common symptoms of dental anxiety include:

• Avoiding the dentist
• Visible stress
• Sweating and racing heart
• Possible fainting episodes
• Finding it difficult to undergo dental procedures

If you have any additional questions about how to overcome your dental anxiety and fears, please feel more than welcome to contact our friendly front desk. Our team of receptionists will make sure you feel welcome at the offices of Prabheed K. Gill DDS. We look forward to your visit and helping you maintain a stunning smile! Call us for more information, or request an appointment online today! We are conveniently located at 7215 N First St Suite 107 Fresno CA 93720. We serve patients from Fresno CA, Clovis CA, Burness CA, Gordon CA, Calwa CA, and Easton CA.