Hello,
Whenever people ask me what I do for a living, the usual response I receive is a long, drawn out “Ooh…”.
I’d like to think it’s the kind of “Aaawww” that astronauts or pilots receive, but I can assure you that it’s more an “Ooh” founded on fear than an “Aaawww” founded on admiration and intrigue.
Funny and disappointing as it may be, I’m going to turn this consistently negative experience into something positive and educational, by writing about dental anxiety, and how to overcome it.
Firstly, dental anxiety is the unease or fear that people experience at the thought of going to the dentist. It can stem from various sources, such as past traumatic experiences, fear of pain, or even the feeling of loss of control. Some people may feel so anxious that they avoid dental appointments altogether, leading to poor oral health. It’s entirely normal, and believe me, you’re not alone in this.
I’ve spoken to people all around Camden, Campbelltown, Spring Hill, Blairmount, Narellan Vale, Currans Hill, Glen Alpine and Menangle Park about dental anxiety and it’s a highly crippling health hazard. Here’s my plan of attack for you:
1. Open Communication: Share your fears or concerns with the Mount Annan Dental team and myself. We’re here for you, and we know the transformational power of communication. We’ll adapt our treatment to make you more comfortable, and explain every step along the way.
2. Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness techniques alleviate stress and anxiety. Practice these techniques before your appointment to arrive in a calm state of mind.
3. Distraction: Bring along your headphones and listen to your favourite music or an audiobook during your appointment. Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Bob Marley, Vance Joy, John Farnham and Kylie Minogue all have special powers over anxiety.
4. Sedation Dentistry: For those with severe dental anxiety, sedation dentistry is a viable option. We offer several safe and controlled sedation methods that can help you relax.
5. Regular Dental Visits: Regular visits to Mount Annan Dental can help you familiarise yourself with our environment. Over time, this will reduce the fear of the unknown and make dental visits less intimidating.
6. Visit Mount Annan Dental for a Non-Treatment Visit: Consider visiting our clinic without having any treatment. You’re very welcome to do so, and we’ll happily show you around. By familiarising yourself with the staff and environment, you’ll be less intimidated the next time you visit for an actual treatment.
7. Use of Comfort Items: Bringing a comfort item like a stress ball or your favourite blanket can provide a sense of security.
8. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: This form of therapy helps you manage your fears by changing negative thought patterns. A trained local therapist can give you tools to manage your anxiety both in and out of our clinic.
9. Positive Reinforcement: Reward yourself after each visit with something enjoyable, such as a movie, a favourite meal, or another activity you enjoy. This positive association can help you look forward to your appointments.
10. Understanding Your Treatment: Ask my team and I to pre-explain the procedure you’ll be undergoing. Understanding in detail what’s going to happen removes the fear of the unknown and makes the experience less daunting.
11. Guided Imagery: This involves visualising a calm and peaceful place or situation. You could imagine lying on a beach, listening to the waves, or walking through a peaceful forest. Guided imagery reduces stress and creates a positive, relaxed state of mind.
12. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. By focusing on releasing tension in your muscles, you’ll distract yourself from your fears.
13. Exposure Therapy: This involves gradual exposure to the source of your fear. For example, start by simply looking at a picture of Mount Annan Dental clinic, then progress to visiting us for a non-treatment visit, and finally, undergo a minor procedure. This gradual exposure will reduce anxiety over time.
14. Bring a Companion: Invite a trusted friend or family member to offer moral support during your dental visit. This is especially helpful during long procedures.
15. Establish a ‘Stop’ Signal: Before beginning any procedure, establish a clear signal with me to indicate when you need a break. This could be as simple as raising your hand. This gives you more control over the procedure and will reduce anxiety.
16. Join a Support Group: There are many online forums and local support groups for people with dental anxiety. Sharing your experiences and hearing others’ can provide comfort, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer practical strategies for managing your fear.
Remember, overcoming dental anxiety is a process, and it’s different for everyone. There’s no need to feel embarrassed about your fears. At Mount Annan Dental, we understand and are here to help. Everyone deserves an anxiety and stress-free dental experience.
We’re honoured to walk this journey together with you; always with compassion, care, understanding, empathy, and respect.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Steven Krajewski
