Having dental anxiety or phobia is surprisingly common. If you feel nervous about seeing a dentist, or your anxiety is so high that you'd called it outright fear, that doesn't mean that you should avoid seeing the dentist. Your teeth still need regular care in order to be healthy. However, you also don't need to be terrified of going through the experience in fear the entire time. Here's why you should expect help when you're going through this situation.

Dentists Aren't Uncaring

Dentists don't want you to be afraid and unwilling to visit them. Ultimately, they want to provide you with a safe and comfortable experience while they take care of your teeth.

If you have an issue, like dental anxiety, you need to let your dentist know. They can't accommodate your needs if they don't know what you're going through, so you should always inform them that you have dental anxiety issues.

If you want to take regular breaks, ask them for that. If you need them to explain to you what they're doing so you can feel in control, go ahead and ask. Your dentist will likely accommodate you.

You Have Options

If simply talking isn't enough to assuage you, consider the fact that dentists have ways of helping people to feel more at ease. Your dentist can provide you with anti-anxiety care while you're having your treatment.

For example, sedation dentistry is designed to help put you into a 'twilight sleep' type of condition. This is where you maintain consciousness, but you're able to feel at ease and soothed. It's a safe therapy option that can be used during nearly any dental procedure so that you don't have to be afraid of the care, whether it's something as simple as a cleaning or a more in-depth procedure.

Plan Ahead

If you have dental anxiety, it might be a good idea for you and your dentist both to set up a consultation appointment ahead of time. This will allow you to have the opportunity to express your concerns and worries and for your dentist to fully describe how they can proceed to put you at the highest level of ease.

It's also a good idea to do this so that your dentist is able to ensure that they have enough time during your next appointment to care for you appropriately. If you need regular breaks or the like, they may want to schedule a slightly longer appointment time for you. Consulting ahead of time will let them do this so that they don't feel rushed or need you to come in twice for a procedure.

Dentists are there to help you, even if you struggle with fear or anxiety over seeing them. Talk to a dentist, such as one found at Summit Oral Surgery, and set up an appointment to discuss your concerns today.