Quick answer:
Wondering how to overcome dental anxiety? With the right coping techniques, clear communication, and safe sedation options, even the most nervous patients can enjoy calmer visits. Mint Dental Alaska is here to help.
Did you know that one of the most popular search terms people look for when they have an upcoming visit to the dentist is “What can dentists do for anxious patients?” And it’s a question I get asked frequently, here at Mint Dental.
So, if you’re here because you’re starting to feel a little ‘edgy’ about your impending visit, you’re not alone!
Feeling nervous about the dentist is common and nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 80% of people experience some form of dental fear or anxiety before a visit.
Whether that’s a flutter in your stomach the night before an appointment or a full-blown panic attack when you sit in a waiting room, the issue is very real.
Here’s the good news…
There are proven ways to get through it and receive the care you need.
I’ll explain why dental anxiety happens, provide practical tips on how to overcome dental anxiety, and outline safe clinical options your dentist can offer. So let’s get started…
Quick reality check: how common is dental anxiety?
We’ve already shown how many people experience some form of anxiety before a dental visit, but alarmingly, recent research shows that, additionally, 15% of adults experience dental anxiety at levels that interfere with care. These are not just feelings. They matter because total avoidance leads to worsening oral health and more complicated and costly treatments later.
So, why does dental anxiety occur?
Dental anxiety typically comes from a mix of sources. These include:
- Negative past experiences, especially painful or traumatic treatment.
- Fear of needles, gagging, or loss of control.
- Embarrassment about oral health.
- Generalized anxiety or distrust of medical systems.
In specific communities, including American Indian and Alaska Native groups, higher levels of dental distrust and anxiety have been documented and linked to worse oral health outcomes.
If you come from a background where health care has felt unsafe or judgmental, that context matters and is valid.
So what can you do to help you get the dental care you need?
How To Overcome Dental Anxiety: Practical Steps That Really Help
There are things you can do before and during your appointment to reduce stress or fear, so let’s start there…
Before your appointment
Book at a time that suits you
Pick the first appointment of the day. There’s nothing worse than worrying about an impending treatment. Instead, consider booking an early slot. That way, it’s over and done with before you have time to think about it.
Practice deep breathing or relaxation techniques
Techniques like controlled breathing or progressive muscle relaxation calm the nervous system and distract the focus away from anxious thoughts.
Tell the team up front
This is an important one…dentists these days are trained to understand and deal with dental fear. When the clinical team understands your fear, they will usually adapt treatments and methods accordingly. Like changing the pace, explaining every step, or pausing on request.
Familiarity reduces fear
If it’s been a long time between dental visits, the good news is that technology and techniques have made dentistry more comfortable, and in some cases, quicker for the patient. Why not schedule a short visit to meet the team and have a basic check? No invasive treatment. Often, meeting people and spending time in the environment first is the breakthrough they need.
During your appointment
So you’ve made it to the dental office. Congratulations, but what now?
Use distraction techniques
Evidence strongly suggests that distraction techniques work to quell dental fear or anxiety, so how about bringing in some music, downloading your favorite movie, trying your hand at an online puzzle or game, or using a stress ball?
Use a signal
In many cases, the main cause of dental fear or anxiety is a distinct lack of control, so why not put the ball back into your court and regain control? Agree on a simple hand signal with your dentist for “pause” or “hold on.” So when you need to pause or stop and take a breath, all you need to do is raise a hand. That sense of control helps many patients.
So, that’s about everything you can do to overcome dental anxiety, but how about what your dentist can do?
Clinical options your dentist can provide
If practical coping strategies are not enough, modern dentistry offers several clinically proven options to help you relax. They include:
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
This inhaled sedative is fast-acting and easy to measure and adjust. Patients remain awake and responsive but feel relaxed. Recovery is quick, so you don’t get that “one too many” feeling hanging over you. Instead, patients can usually leave without a prolonged recovery period.
And if you’re unsure about whether it’s safe…the ADA states that nitrous oxide is a standard and safe method when properly used and monitored.
Oral sedation
Taking a prescribed pill before a visit produces moderate relaxation for many adults. It is widely used, and studies show oral sedatives reduce anxiety and improve patient satisfaction, with low rates of serious side effects when administered appropriately.
Intravenous (IV) sedation and deeper options
For patients with severe anxiety or for longer procedures, IV sedation administered by trained clinicians is an option. Sedation puts you in a relaxed state and shouldn’t be confused with anesthesia, given to prevent patients from feeling discomfort. While any dentist can administer an anesthetic, only trained professionals can perform sedation dentistry.
At Mint, we have our very own sedation dentist at our Anchorage clinic.
Local anesthesia and gentle technique
Good numbing, slow injection technique, topical anesthetic, and distraction make a big difference. Pain control is the first step to feeling safer.
Now you know what you (and I) can do to make you feel more comfortable on your dental visit, how do you know which dentist to use?
How to choose a dentist as an anxious patient
Here are some top tips…
- Look for explicit mention of sedation services and training on the practice website in dealing with anxious patients.
- Read reviews from other anxious patients.
- Ask about staff training in anxiety management and emergency procedures.
Do these things and you’re well on your way to finding the right dentist for you.
What to expect at your first anxiety-friendly visit
Okay, so this is a bit of a plug, but we’re widely known in the area for helping anxious or nervous dental patients. So who better to tell you than me? Here’s what you can expect when you visit Mint Dental Anchorage for the first time…
- A calm check-in where my team asks about your anxiety and medical history.
- Time taken to understand your fear, plus a step-by-step explanation of what will happen during treatment.
- Options discussed openly, including sedation choices, costs, and recovery.
- A chance to pause at any time.
We’re also happy to talk you through a procedure beforehand so you’re familiar with the treatment before it happens..
Mint Dental in Anchorage - A friendly invitation from me to you!
Hopefully, this post has given you all the information you need to understand how to overcome dental anxiety. If dental fear has kept you away from the dentist for a prolonged period, our team fully understands that the problem is a real barrier to health.
With this in mind, we offer tailored, evidence-based sedation options, the latest gentle techniques, and a warm, judgement-free approach to care.
If you’d like to talk about options, book a short consultation or call the office, contact Mint Dental Alaska today on (907) 318-7155 and request an appointment. Let us support you because you don’t have to face this alone!
