Back To Blog

Dental Anxiety and How to Deal With It

18 August 2016
Reviewed by Dr.Anna Beattie
Dr.Anna Beattie Profile Image

If the thoughts of visiting your dentist fill you with anxiety, you are not alone.

This post will aim to shine a light of what might be causing that anxiety, why it is so common and what we can do to help.

What Causes Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety - Dr. Simona Kostova

There are many things that can cause dental anxiety. For example, quite a lot of kids in the last century were forced to endure school dental visits sponsored by the government.

Many veterans of these visits have horror stories to tell, because the quality of dentistry was very much a matter of luck. 

There's also something known as vicarious learning, which is where you develop a fear of something because of hearing about the bad experience of someone else.

How Common Is Dental Anxiety?

Studies have shown that as many as 3 in 4 people admit to some degree of fear about a dental visit.

While the studies indicate that more women than men are afraid of going to the dentist, it could simply be that women are more open about discussing fear. 

Why Should I Not Be Scared Of The Dentist?

Dental Anxiety - Dr. Jennifer Mc Philemy - 3dental
Jennifer Mc Philemy Explains How 3Dental Dentists Relax Their Patients

Modern dentistry is much more efficient, reliable, safe and comfortable than it generally was in times past.

Your dentist will never do something that you haven't consented to, so you don't have to worry about getting a big surprise.

I'm Feeling Anxious - What Should I Do?

If you are feeling nervous, the best thing you can do is simply consult your dentist and talk with them about their methods and how they would perform an examination of your teeth.

You can then make informed decisions about the treatment of those problems.

It can also help to talk with people who have recently received any kind of dental treatment, especially if it is a treatment similar to that which you are seeking. Check out our testimonials page to see and hear about the experience of our former patients.

What Can Dentists Do To Calm Patients?

Treatment co-ordinators - 3dental

We offer oral and IV sedation which is used to calm those patients who are extremely anxious. 

We also provide treatment co-ordinators who are there to walk you through your patient journey. This includes answer any questions or concerns you may have, letting you know what you can expect and will be your dedicated point of contact throughout your treatment.

Can Dentists Tell If You Have Anxiety?

Treating dental anxiety is a skill on its own. Sometimes people can have anxiety and not show it, whereas, in others, it can be more obvious. 

There may also be hints in the patient's medical history, but if you are an anxious patient, you should discuss this with your dentist before beginning treatment. 

The initial consultation is a great time to build a rapport with your dentist and disclose the fact that you are a nervous patient. There may be options that can make treatment more comfortable for you.

Can Dentists Give You Anything For Anxiety?

Your dentist may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs, such as temazepam or diazepam (Valium), which you can take one hour before a scheduled dental visit.

Your dentist may also recommend conscious sedation, such as intravenous (IV) sedation.

We also offer oral sedation using temazepam in liquid form, which we provide the patient with onsite 30 minutes before their appointment.

Here at 3Dental, our dentists are experienced with treating anxious patients and will work at a pace that makes you comfortable.

How Long Is Too Long To Not Go To The Dentist?

You should attend the dentist at least once a year for a routine check-up and every 6-12 months for a hygiene appointment, solely based on needs.

The yearly check-ups will allow the dentist to monitor your oral health and treat any cavities early before they progress, needing further treatments, which will be more invasive and costly, ultimately saving you money in the long run!

Can I Be Put To Sleep Before Dental Work?

Dental anxiety

We offer conscious IV sedation meaning that you are awake but you feel very drowsy.

The drug used is very effective and produces an amnesiac effect, meaning that you most likely won't remember the procedure.

Conclusion

As mentioned in the opening sentence, you are not alone if you filled with dread and anxiety at the thoughts of visiting the dentist.

However, rest assured we are well versed at dealing with anxious patients and will make your experience as comfortable and pain free as possible. 

Get in touch today to see how we can help :)

Recent Reviews

Owen

“Never bothered by having to go to the dentist again. I had to get whitening, bonding and a crown done over the space of a year and it was a great experience. The team are A1 and Fergal is a great...”

Keith O'Brien

“I would highly recommend 3Dental. This time last year I was in constant pain with infections and my teeth were in a bad way. I came across 3Dental while searching for dental implants. I had...”

Eileen Dempsey

“I have just had my Implant, from Doctor Peter Doherty, and have to say i was treated so well from start to finish, and the end result is amazing. I am so very happy with my new smile, i will attend...”

Viv van der Holst

“Firstly apologies for the delay in writing this review. I have been too busy smiling again :) And chewing food normally. I cannot express enough the gratitude I feel towards Dr Andoni Jones and his...”

Sean Dentur

“I got 6 implants over past 2 years in 3Dental. Very efficient/professional and kind staff. Would highly recommend them.”

Whitney Culleton

“I had an consultation for composite bonding with a female dentist back in December and I left not feeling great about the app so rather than leaving a bad review I reached out to Dr Niall for a...”

Tara Henshaw

“I had composite bonding done with Dr Carmen and gingivectomy with Dr Andoni Jones , they were both brilliant. Thanks so much to them both they were so friendly and so good at their job I'm delighted...”

Caitlin Morrison

“I've been going to 3Dental the last year with Dr Carmen. She's amazing so nice and her work is great Got my composite bonding with her defo recommend always give advice and always there if needs be...”

Jane Russell

“Such a brilliant clinic with fantastic service. Had to have a couple of things done with fillings and bonding so I saw a number of dentists, all of whom were total pros and expert at what they do. A...”

Caroline O'Brien

“I have had lots of treatment and also my 2 daughters here in 3Dental which included root canal wisdom tooth extraction crowns and now implants and All on the same premises. All staff we have met have...”

Zoe Bates

“I had 8 edge composite bondings on the top done and I'm super happy with my results. After braces my teeth were straight but all different sizes/shapes on the edge so bonding was the perfect...”

Abby Garcia

“Excellent place and fantastic job. I'm so happy with my veneers. I've wanted normal teeth for over 30 years and I'm so so happy with the results achieved by Dr Daniel Kim. Such a nice guy and really...”

Laura O'Brien

“Would highly recommend 3Dental to anyone. I have been getting a lot of cosmetic work done between, dental implants, crowns and veneers and through every stage they have walked me through what would...”

Michelle Walsh

“Got my smile back thanks to Paul and Andoni! Started my treatment this time last year and wish I had done it sooner! Paul is such a perfectionist and really listens to you (I was a nervous patient)...”

Nicola Myler

“An accident happened the weekend with my front tooth veneer I am from Waterford and couldn't get an appointment down here for another 2 weeks so I was so upset and my sister told me to ring 3Dental...”

Helen Redmond

“Amazing experience with 3Dental. Got Invisalign which didn't move one tooth. Needed to get fixed braces but it was seamless. Also had my braces during Covid pandemic. Although I could go to the...”

Emma Keating

“I had composite bonding done here by Dr Carmen. She was very patient and made sure I was completely happy with the final result before I left, she even offered to fix anything I was unhappy with...”

Lyle Andre

“Outstanding service from start to finish, I recently had my braces removed after 2 years with 3Dental and I have never been happier with my results. The lovely Katrina was my very competent dentist...”

The Scarlet Gamer

“I am so happy with the professional service I receive anytime I go to 3Dental. The new office is spacious & well designed. The staff are friendly & efficient. I love how they offer everything under...”

Lorraine Fleming

“I am in the process of having a front bridge to replace a bad front tooth, I am overwhelmed with the difference already, I'm actually smiling again and my confidence has already improved. Niall and...”

Ready for the Next Step? Book Your Free Consultation

Book A Consultation View Pricing Options