For many people, the thought of visiting the dentist can bring up feelings of dread and anxiety. Whether due to past traumatic experiences, fear of pain, or simply not knowing what to expect during a particular treatment, dental anxiety is a common problem that affects a significant portion of the population. 

If you have dental anxiety, it is important to recognize that you are not alone! Studies have shown that more than one third of adults experience some level of anxiety or fear when faced with the prospect of dental work. 

For the many patients who want to know how to get over dental anxiety, there is good news. From computerized anesthesia delivery to high-tech lasers, and even VR goggles, advances in technology have given dentists more tools than ever to help patients feel comfortable, relaxed, and pain-free. 

What is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety refers to feelings of fear, apprehension, or nervousness associated with visiting the dentist. Levels of anxiety can range from mild uneasiness to severe phobia and can affect patients of all ages. Some common reasons for dental anxiety include: 

• Past experiences: For some patients, a previous uncomfortable or traumatic dental visit can cause ongoing feelings of anxiety. For others, simply hearing about a friend’s or relative’s negative experience can make them feel uneasy. 
• Fear of pain: Many people associate dental procedures with pain and discomfort, leading to heightened anxiety about undergoing treatment.
• Fear of loss of control: Some individuals feel anxious about being in a vulnerable position during dental procedures, where they cannot control what happens to them.
• Fear of the unknown: The unfamiliarity of dental procedures and the dental environment can provoke anxiety in some individuals.
• Personal space or sensory issues: Some patients dislike having the dentist sit close by and work inside their mouth. The unique sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office can also trigger anxiety for some people.
• Embarrassment: If a patient is embarrassed about the condition of their teeth or their level of dental health, they may be anxious about visiting the dentist. 

Patients experience dental anxiety in different ways. These may include feelings of nervousness, restlessness, increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, or even panic attacks. 

People with dental anxiety may avoid seeking necessary dental care due to their fears, which can ultimately lead to poor oral health and dental problems. By talking with your dentist, you can work together on a strategy to get you the dental care you need in a comfortable environment. 

Fortunately, today’s dentists have a variety of ways to help patients feel less anxious and more comfortable during their dental appointments. And, each day new technological advances are making dental anxiety management easier than ever. 

Deal with Dental Anxiety – With a Little Help From Technology

In recent years, advancements in dental technology have revolutionized the field and transformed the dental experience for patients. One of the biggest improvements is the development of less invasive treatments and procedures. Modern dental techniques and tools allow for more precise and efficient dental work, reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimizing discomfort for patients. Some of these options include:

Computerized Anesthesia Delivery

Before starting procedures like fillings, dentists inject anesthesia to numb the patient’s mouth. Now, a new option called the Wand allows dentists to give anesthesia using a device that looks like a pen instead of a needle. A computer controls the Wand to slowly and gently push the numbing agent into the patient’s gums. 

For patients who are afraid of needles, this can be a game changer: the Wand doesn’t look like a traditional needle, and the procedure is practically, if not completely, pain free. 

Laser Cavity Detection

Advances in technology have improved cavity detection techniques significantly. Laser cavity detection systems use a pen-like instrument that shines a laser beam on each tooth to search for signs of cavities. 

Traditional cavity detection tools include dental exams and x-rays. While these are proven and effective, these methods may not find cavities until there is significant damage to the tooth that requires a filling. Lasers, on the other hand, can detect cavities much sooner than other methods. Pinpointing signs of cavities at their earliest stages may allow patients to avoid fillings altogether. When found early, the decay may be reversible with improved oral hygiene practices, fluoride treatments, or dietary modifications. 

When a cavity does require a filling, finding it earlier can mean a less invasive procedure and smaller filling. This adds up to less pain, shorter appointments, and a quicker recovery. 

Laser Dentistry 

In addition to using lasers to detect cavities, dentists can use laser technology to repair dental problems. These devices use concentrated beams of light energy that can be precisely targeted to remove decay and prepare a tooth for a filling or help treat gum disease. Lasers can even be used to whiten teeth. 

Laser dental treatments are typically less invasive than traditional methods. Lasers cause less pain and patients recover faster. Unlike traditional dental tools such as drills, lasers are quiet and virtually pain free, making them a great option for helping patients with anxiety have a pleasant experience in the dental chair. 

Advancements in Sedation Options 

Dental sedation can help patients relax and feel less anxious during treatment. Dentists have access to a variety of effective sedative options including nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” sedatives in pill form, and even intravenous (IV) sedation. 

Thanks to advancements in technology, using medication to help patients relax is safer and more precise than ever. Today’s dentists have access to improved monitoring systems to closely monitor patients’ vital signs during procedures. Computerized dosage systems allow dentists to tailor the dosage of medications to each patient’s individual needs, and safer anesthesia options allow deeper relaxation with fewer side effects. 

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)

Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) is a non-invasive treatment that involves the use of a small, handheld device to deliver low-level electrical currents to the brain via electrodes placed on a patient’s scalp or earlobes. These electrical currents are very mild, often described as a tingling sensation, and are thought to affect the brain’s electrical activity to reduce anxiety.

CES has been studied and used to help treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain. Some dentists now offer this treatment to help patients feel calmer and less stressed during dental visits.

VR Tools for Dental Anxiety Management

Advancements in technology outside the dental field are also helping patients cope with anxiety and fear in innovative new ways. One example is virtual reality (VR) technology, which allows patients to immerse themselves in a calming virtual environment during dental procedures. By wearing a VR headset and headphones, patients can distract themselves from the sights and sounds of the dental office so they can relax. Using VR in this way can reduce anxiety and even help with pain reduction. 

Some dentists even use VR to reduce anxiety before a patient’s appointment. Using this approach, the patient can experience what they will see and hear during a procedure while they are in a safe space, such as an office outside of the clinical area. Exposure therapy using VR gives patients a realistic idea of what will happen during their appointment. Experiencing what it is like in the dental chair ahead of time can help reduce fear of the unknown and has been shown to reduce anxiety levels. 

Find a Dentist Near You

Regular dental visits are crucial for good oral health, preventing pain and discomfort, and preserving overall health. Thanks to modern dental technology, dentists have an array of tools to help you feel comfortable and keep your visit pain-free. Use our online search tool to find a dentist in your area.