Visiting the dentist can be stressful for many. If the mere thought of drills, needles, or that dental chair makes you anxious, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety (or dentophobia, when extreme) is common, and it’s something that can be managed. In this blog, we’ll explore what dental anxiety is, what causes it, how it shows up, and how we at Springhill Dental can support you in feeling calm and comfortable.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety refers to fear, worry, or stress associated with dental visits, instruments, or treatments. When this fear becomes extreme, causing someone to avoid the dentist altogether, even when in pain, it may be classified as dentophobia. Symptoms can include:
- Racing heart, sweating, trembling, nausea, upset stomach
- Difficulty sleeping before an appointment
- Avoidance of dental care, even when needed
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
Some common causes include:
- Past painful or traumatic dental experiences
- Fear of pain, needles, drills, or loss of control in the dental chair
- Negative perceptions or stories from others (family/friends)
- Anxiety disorders, PTSD, or other mental health challenges can make dental anxiety worse.
How Dental Anxiety Impacts Oral Health
When dental anxiety leads to missed checkups or avoiding treatment:
- Minor problems that could have been caught early may grow into major ones.
- Higher likelihood of needing more complex procedures later.
- Increased pain, discomfort, and even risk of infection or tooth loss.
Coping Strategies & Treatments
Fortunately, there are many ways to manage dental anxiety. Techniques and options may include:
- Communication with your dentist: Letting them know your fears, triggers, and concerns so treatment can be tailored.
- Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, guided imagery, meditation, distraction (music/podcasts) in the chair.
- Behavioural therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy.
- Sedation options: Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), oral anxiolytics, and even deeper sedation if needed.
- Establishing signals and control: Agreeing on a stop signal during treatment, using breaks, and having a friend accompany you.
How Springhill Dental Helps
At Springhill Dental (The Pas, Manitoba), we understand that dental anxiety is real, and it’s something our team is committed to helping you through. Here’s how we can support you:
- Compassionate, experienced team
Our staff, including dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and coordinators, are trained to provide care with patience, understanding, and respect. We take the time to get to know you, your concerns, and your comfort level. - Personalized communication & trust
We encourage you to share your fears or past experiences. We’ll walk you through procedures beforehand, explain what to expect, and answer your questions. Feeling informed often reduces fear. - Options for calming the experience
- Use of local anesthesia or numbing gels to reduce pain.
- Distraction: music, headphones, maybe even watching something during treatment.
- Taking breaks or pauses when needed.
- Scheduling appointments at times that feel less rushed or busy.
- Use of local anesthesia or numbing gels to reduce pain.
- Sedation & other techniques
For those with stronger fears, we can discuss sedation options (according to medical suitability). We strive to offer choices that help you relax rather than feel overwhelmed. - Gentle, gradual exposure
If you haven’t been to the dentist for a while, we can begin with simple, low-stress appointments like cleanings or check-ups before moving to more involved treatments. This helps rebuild comfort and confidence. - Supportive environment
We aim for a friendly, welcoming clinic atmosphere. Our team (see Our Team) is dedicated to making your visit as comfortable as possible.
Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Visit
Here are some steps you can take on your own to reduce anxiety:
- Write down your questions/fears beforehand.
- Bring a support person.
- Distract yourself: listen to a favourite playlist, podcast, or bring something calming.
- Practice breathing or relaxation techniques the day of the appointment.
- Schedule your appointment at a time of day when you feel mentally calmest.
When to Seek Extra Help
If anxiety is so severe that you avoid dental care altogether, or if it causes panic attacks, insomnia, or other distress even before an appointment, you might want to consider talking to a mental health professional alongside your dentist. Dentophobia is real, and it can be addressed.
Final Thoughts
Dental anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. It’s common, and there are many paths to reduce it. At Springhill Dental, we believe everyone deserves a dental experience that is as stress-free and comfortable as possible. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
If you’d like to talk about your fears or explore what options we offer to help you feel calmer, please call us or book a consultation. Let us help you get back to caring for your smile—on your terms.
Call us at 204-623-1999 or [book online here].
