If the thought of visiting the dentist fills you with dread, you're not alone. At Ava Dental in Narre Warren South, we understand dental anxiety is real and are here to help you overcome it. Our Ultimate Guide to Dental Anxiety Management is designed to give you the support, tools, and understanding to feel calm and confident in the dentist’s chair.
With gentle care, personalised approaches, sedation options and a compassionate team by your side, we’ll help you conquer your fears and take the first step toward a healthier smile. It’s time to put your worries behind you because, at Ava Dental, your comfort comes first.
The Symptoms of Dental Anxiety
If you feel a sense of dread about going to the dentist, or if you worry about an upcoming dental visit, you may be suffering from dental anxiety. Unfortunately, many people with dental anxiety don’t get the dental treatment they deserve because they avoid the dentist altogether.
Some of the symptoms include the following:
- Hot flashes
- Excessive sweating
- Upset stomach
- Increased heart rate
- Agitation and aggressiveness
- Withdrawal
- Lowered blood pressure
- Fainting or dizziness
- Panic attacks
- Shaking or difficulty breathing
- Hyperventilating
- Crying
- Difficulty sleeping
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
Even if you know your dentist has your best interests at heart and won’t hurt you; it’s perfectly normal to be uneasy or stressed about your dental visit. Each individual's perceptions shape their reality regarding dental visits.
So, why is it so difficult for some patients to relax?
Here are some possible sources for your dental anxiety:
- Discomfort—Perhaps you associate going to the dentist with pain and discomfort. You may remember a time when you weren’t comfortable in the chair or your neck or back hurt after treatment. At Ava Dental, we will do everything we can to make you comfortable while you’re with us. We use the latest technologies and sedation dentistry to ensure patient satisfaction.
- Fear of needles — Some people are afraid of needles. The thought of a numbing injection can cause your dental anxiety to explode. It’s important to know that we are specially trained to administer local anaesthetics so you won’t feel anything during your treatment.
- Past experiences — For some patients, past dental experiences are enough to make their hearts race and their palms sweat. When you’ve had unpleasant dental visits, trusting a new dentist can be difficult. Rest assured that the dental team at Ava Dental will treat you like family and help you overcome your fears.
- Fear of losing control — It’s difficult to manage your emotions if you feel like you’re not in control of the situation, making dental visits particularly hard for some people.
- Fear of dental sounds — A visit to the dentist involves many different sounds, some of which are unpleasant. This can cause dental anxiety for certain people.
Tips for Managing Your Stress
We want every patient to learn to overcome their dental anxiety and achieve the best oral health possible. There are several tips for success to help them do just that:
- Practise good dental hygiene — When you take good care of your teeth and gums, you’re less likely to need extensive dental treatment. This can help you be more comfortable while at the dentist.
- Talk to your dentist — We encourage you to talk to us about your dental anxiety so we can take extra measures to make you feel comfortable and secure while you’re with us. We offer nitrous oxide to keep you calm and can arrange for general anaesthetic in a hospital setting if you need to be completely asleep during treatment.
- Work on trust — Visit your dentist’s website to see what other patients say about their experiences. When you see that others trust your dentist, it can help reduce your anxiety.
- Ask about resources. Speak with your dentist about what they offer to maximise your comfort during treatment. Our dental clinic uses the latest technologies and modern amenities. We also offer nitrous oxide sedation and general anaesthetic for anxious patients.
Dental Anesthesia in Narre Warren
At Ava Dental, we can help with anxiety about more extensive procedures with general anaesthetic. This involves dental treatment provided and completed in a safe hospital setting under the supervision of an anaesthetist. You'll feel like you're sleeping and completely relaxed while comfortably completing the dental procedures you need.
General anaesthetic may be ideal for these patients:
- Those with severe anxiety, phobia, and fear of dentistry
- Those who have difficulties sitting for long periods
- Those with a bad gag reflex that makes dental treatment difficult or uncomfortable
- Those with complex treatment plans who would like to complete their treatment in one appointment
- Those with special physical, medical, or behavioural needs
We're happy to discuss your options for sleep dentistry with you if you feel that you or a loved one might benefit from this type of sedation.
What Can You Do?
There are some things you can do to cope with dental anxiety; here are some self-remedies you can try:
- Practise meditation
- Practise visualisation
- Distract yourself
- Consider anxiety medication
- Take deep breaths
Need Help with Dental Anxiety in Narre Warren South, VIC?
If you suffer from dental anxiety and want to speak with our dental team, we will happily assist you! At Ava Dental, we don’t want anyone to miss out on necessary dental care because they’re scared or anxious.
We’ll do everything we can to alleviate your anxiety, keep you comfortable and restore your oral health. Our goal is for every patient to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Please feel free to contact our dental clinic for more information or to book an appointment. You can call us on (03) 8790 2500.