Help! I Have Dental Anxiety

Does dental anxiety keep you from getting the care you need to keep your mouth clean and healthy? Sure, having dental work done can be a chore and unpleasant — who likes enduring lots of tools in your mouth or listening to the high pitched whirr of a drill?

But when dental dislike turns into dental anxiety so severe you don’t see a dentist for years, you’ve got a problem. Dental anxiety affects millions of Americans in varying degrees, but there are steps you can take to relieve your concerns so you don’t have to put off getting needed dental care.

At Arya Dental in Fullerton, California, our expert dentists — Dr. Saeed Mokhayeri and Dr. Hengameh Safarcherati — are kind and gentle and treat you like family. They offer a range of preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental treatments to ensure you have a great smile.

If the thought of spending time in the dentist’s chair makes you uneasy, try these tips to help you overcome dental anxiety so you can get routine cleanings and exams that keep your mouth in top shape.

1. Face the fear

The first step in overcoming a fear is facing it. Don’t put on a brave face and pretend you don’t suffer from dental anxiety. Call Arya Dental and discuss your fears with our compassionate staff.

We can tailor your treatment and use techniques that help you relax, like taking frequent breaks and letting you ask us to stop at any time. We can schedule extensive work over several appointments, even if it takes months. 

2. Practice relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques, like mindful meditation and deep breathing, can help you relax before and during dental procedures. Take long, slow inhales and exhales over a count of eight. This slow and rhythmic breaking relaxes your muscles and helps relieve anxiety. 

3. Find distractions

Some people fear the sounds of dental work. Suction tools and drills make noises that can put you on edge. Listening to soothing music or podcasts on your phone or iPod can drown out unnerving sounds. 

4. Explore sedation

We offer sedation options that can make your dental appointment feel like a vacation. Ask us about nitrous oxide — laughing gas — which helps you relax and takes the edge off your anxiety. We also can prescribe oral sedation medication that you can take before your appointment. 

5. Take good care of your teeth at home

You can avoid extra dental visits by keeping up with good oral care habits at home. Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouth rinse. Good dental hygiene at home helps keep your mouth healthy, shortening the time we spend on plaque removal and cavity filling.

Dental anxiety doesn’t have to stand in your way of keeping your teeth healthy. To schedule an appointment with the compassionate team at Arya Dental, call our office at 714-646-9546, or use our online scheduling tool.