According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, a staggering 73 percent of adults in the US have some level of dental anxiety, with over a quarter describing that fear as extreme. While many patients can manage their anxiety well enough to maintain routine dental care, others may be overwhelmed by the thought of undergoing dental treatment or oral surgery. In some cases, anxiety may even lead patients to delay or avoid the care they need.
At Conestoga Oral Surgery, we understand that visiting an oral and maxillofacial surgeon can feel intimidating. Our team is committed to helping you feel informed, supported, and as comfortable as possible throughout your visit. Understanding what causes dental phobias and knowing how to communicate your concerns can help make your next visit feel more manageable.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety can have many causes. For some patients, it may stem from a previous difficult or uncomfortable experience. Others may feel embarrassed or worry about being judged, while some may be anxious simply because they do not know what to expect. For patients undergoing oral surgery, anxiety may also be related to the procedure itself or concerns about anesthesia and recovery.
Identifying the source of your anxiety can be an important first step in managing it. Once you understand your concerns, you can share them with your oral surgeon. Letting us know what makes you uncomfortable allows us to answer your questions, explain what to expect, and offer an approach that helps you feel more at ease.
What Can I Do to Manage Dental Anxiety?
You can use a variety of techniques before and during your appointment to help manage your fears. Our team will work with you to tailor our approach and provide comfort from your consultation through recovery. Strategies that may help include:
- Bring a supportive companion: Having a trusted friend or family member who can accompany you can provide reassurance before your surgery. Although you won’t be able to chat with them while you’re being treated, simply having someone familiar nearby can help.
- Practice deep breathing: Slow, controlled breathing can help you relax when you begin to feel anxious. Try inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling gently through your mouth with your eyes closed. Repeating this can help reduce panic and allow you to feel calmer.
- Use relaxation or guided imagery: Focusing on a calming image, pleasant memory, or peaceful thought can redirect your attention and give your mind something positive to concentrate on.
- Bring a distraction: Listening to familiar music, a podcast, or audiobooks with headphones may help focus your attention elsewhere.
- Ask questions: Uncertainty can make your anxiety worse. We will prepare you for what to expect before, during, and after your treatment, but if you don’t understand something, feel free to ask questions. Understanding what will happen can help you feel more prepared and in control.
What Can My Surgical Team Do to Help My Dental Anxiety?
If you are anxious about oral surgery, you do not have to manage those concerns on your own. During your consultation, be open about what makes you nervous or fearful. Sharing these concerns gives your surgeon an opportunity to answer your questions and discuss appropriate options.
Anesthesia can also play an important role in helping patients feel comfortable during oral surgery. Conestoga Oral Surgery offers several anesthesia options, and your surgeon will consider your procedure, medical history, and individual needs when determining which option is appropriate for you. We offer various forms of anesthesia including:
- Nitrous oxide: commonly known as laughing gas, this sweet-smelling anesthetic is inhaled through the nose and creates a calm, euphoric sensation. It takes effect quickly and generally wears off soon after.
- Oral conscious sedation: This sedative is taken before treatment as a pill. These medications can cause drowsiness and may affect your memory of the procedure. The sedating effects can last for several hours, so be prepared to bring a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment.
- IV sedation: Medication administered through an IV can provide a deeper level of relaxation and is commonly used for patients undergoing certain oral surgery procedures. Because IV anesthesia can affect your alertness and reflexes, you will need to follow your surgical team’s fasting instructions and arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home.
- General anesthesia: For certain procedures or patients, general anesthesia may be appropriate. With general anesthesia, you are fully asleep during the surgery. Effects will last for several hours, so you will be required to bring a responsible adult available to care for you for 24 hours post-surgery.
With each anesthesia option, your surgeon will review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and provide detailed instructions before your appointment so you know how to prepare.
You Don’t Have to Face Oral Surgery Anxiety Alone
It’s important to remember that your oral health is vital to your overall health. Feeling anxious about oral surgery does not mean you have to avoid the care you need. By sharing your concerns, your surgical team can make your visit as stress-free as possible. We want your experience to be positive and to help you find comfort in an uncomfortable situation.
If dental anxiety has kept you from seeking oral surgery care, contact Conestoga Oral Surgery to discuss your concerns and learn more about your treatment and anesthesia options. Our team is here to help you feel informed, prepared, and supported throughout your care.
About Our Practice
At Conestoga Oral Surgery, we understand that oral surgery can feel overwhelming, especially for patients with dental anxiety. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons and experienced surgical assistants take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your treatment, and help you feel informed throughout your care.
To learn more about your options or schedule a consultation, contact Conestoga Oral Surgery today.