I'm Nervous About My Upcoming Dental Appointment

More than 83% of American adults suffer from moderate to high dental anxiety, and more than 16% have an outright phobia. 

We understand these fears, which is why Dr. Sara Ghasemi and our team at Los Gatos Family Dental are committed to providing a safe and comfortable atmosphere that keeps you calm and relaxed during your visits. We believe knowledge is power, so we’ve compiled this information about dental anxiety to give you a better understanding of what causes it, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to overcome it.

What’s behind your dental anxiety?

The number one reason we hear why patients are nervous about their appointment is fear of pain. No one likes pain, and if you have experienced pain in the dentist chair in your past, even as far back as your childhood, you may mistakenly believe that every appointment will hurt. 

But the truth is, nearly all dental visits are completely pain-free and comfortable. If you require a treatment that calls for extensive work, we numb the area completely so you don’t feel a thing — not even the pain-relieving injection. 

Another reason people fear going to the dentist is shame. If you’ve neglected your oral hygiene, and your teeth and gums are in bad shape, you may feel embarrassed. Many people have been scolded in the past by their dentist for not taking better care of their teeth. We don’t do that here. Drs. Ghasemi isn’t here to judge you. We just want to help you achieve and maintain good oral health from this point on, so come as you are and let’s make improvements together. 

Whether you’re afraid of injections, worried about losing a tooth, or you just hate the feeling of helplessness when you sit in a dental chair with your mouth wide open, we can help you overcome your anxiety.

How to spot dental anxiety

Going to the dentist should feel like going to the grocery store — just another thing on your to-do list. But if you have dental anxiety, your upcoming appointment may induce:

• Restlessness
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea
• Crying

And rarely, patients sometimes suffer a panic attack. One of the most common indicators of dental anxiety is appointment cancellations. If you find yourself canceling your appointments last minute, or worse, you avoid making them at all, you may have dental anxiety.

How to overcome dental anxiety

Your oral health affects your overall health, so getting regular check-ups and addressing dental issues is critical. If fear is keeping you away from the dentist, try these tips to overcome the problem and get the care you need.

Ask questions and get educated

The unknown is always a little unsettling, so if you’re scheduled for a check-up, cleaning, or dental treatment, find out exactly what to expect by asking us questions and doing a little research. We’re happy to walk you through every step so you know what to anticipate. There are no surprises here.

Create a happy place

For some folks, just the sound of dental instruments sets off an anxiety attack. The solution to this is simple — wear noise-canceling headphones and listen to relaxing music while we treat your teeth.

Come in the morning

Morning appointments decrease dental anxiety in two ways: They eliminate potential hours of stress during the day while you anticipate an afternoon appointment, and mornings are generally less busy, so the office is calmer.

Talk to us about your fears

Dr.Ghasemi and our entire team are here to make your dental appointment positive and comfortable. Whether you’re coming in for a routine check-up, you need a filling, or you’re getting a crown, talk with us about what’s making you nervous. 

Chances are, we can put your mind at ease by explaining the procedure, eliminating the aspect that causes you anxiety, or offering sedation prior to your treatment.

Don’t let dental anxiety rob you of good oral health. Schedule a fear-free appointment today at Los Gatos Family Dental in Los Gatos, California, and redefine what it means to go to the dentist. We’re just a call or click away.