Tips for the anxious patient

At the Dental Studio in Burnaby, we are used to helping ease patients’ anxiety regarding their treatments. Some degree of anxiety about going to the dentist is normal. However, for some patients, their fear of going to the dentist is so great that they will put off visits and even live with uncomfortable conditions such as gum disease or decay rather than seek treatment. We empathize with these patients, as we understand how difficult it can be struggling with any type of anxiety. For some patients their anxiety stems from past negative experiences at the dentist. Others have a fear of pain or are simply uncomfortable in any type of “medical” setting. Below are a list of tips that many patients have found helpful in dealing with their dental anxiety.

1. Our number 1 tip is ‘don’t skip dental appointments’. If going to the dentist makes you anxious, then going more often may seem counterintuitive. However, by missing appointments for cleanings and checkups (which are recommended every six months), you put yourself at greater risk of developing serious dental issues that will require more invasive treatment than a simple cleaning or cavity filling. This will only serve to cause you more stress and anxiety. By maintaining regular visits with your dentists, you will likely keep conditions such as gingivitis, cavities, receding gums and gum disease at bay.
2. Speak with your dentist about your anxiety. At the Dental Studio in Burnaby, we are always open to listening to what our patients’ questions and concerns. Sometimes, simply talking to your dentist can help to alleviate fears. It’s best to speak to your dentist before your treatment is to begin.
3. Learn more about the procedure. Many patients are afraid of certain procedures, such as root canals. However, often times once the patient has learned more about what will happen during the procedure, they realize that it is not much more uncomfortable than a regular filling would be. On our services page, we have a list of treatments and procedures that we offer, which may give you a little insight into what to expect.
4. Medication. Oral medication may be given prior to a patient’s procedure to help ease anxiety.

It is our goal to ensure that all of our patients have a pleasant experience at our office. If you suffer from dental anxiety, we are confident that we can help you feel at ease.