A trip to the dentist doesn’t really inspire much excitement. Quite the opposite for most people, with anxiety around pain, procedures and the costs of dental treatments being right up there.
We spoke with Dr Gamer Verdain from The Dental Lounge in Sydney and founder of Dental99, for his top tips on how to manage dental anxiety and maybe even make your visit enjoyable!
Manage dental anxiety by being prepared
Start with a clean mouth, says Dr Gamer. “Brush and floss before your dental appointment. The additional oral hygiene gives us a cleaner starting point to work from. Mouthwash isn’t necessary and unless it has been prescribed to you, most mouthwashes are not beneficial at all.”
Next, be sure you’re wearing something really comfortable.
“Soft, loose clothing is ideal, especially if you’re feeling a bit anxious,” says Dr Gamer. “Layers are also a good idea, as dental practices can sometimes be on the cooler side. Go for darker clothing too, especially if you’re having a more complicated procedure. It will help avoid any staining of clothes.”
Consider taking your own music or entertainment with you.
“We provide our patients with TV glasses and headphones so they can “zone out” for their appointments,” reveals Dr Gamer. “Alternatively some of our patients bring their own phones and headphones to listen to their favourite music and podcasts.”
Arrive early to help manage dental anxiety
“It’s best to arrive 5-10 minutes early to fill out any necessary paperwork without feeling rushed,” advises Dr Gamer. “From there, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Your role is simply to be open about your dental history and any concerns you might have—this helps us provide the best care possible.”
Feeling nervous? Dr Gamer says it’s important to see a dentist that makes you feel relaxed and in great hands.
“I believe in a calm, super friendly, highly informative, respectful and professional demeanour. I believe it is important for the dentist to never cross a line. As healthcare professionals, it’s our responsibility to ensure you feel safe and respected throughout your visit.”
Combat post-appointment care anxiety
“After certain procedures, we give specific instructions to follow at home,” explains Dr Gamer. “It’s crucial to follow these to ensure the best results and to prevent complications such as unnecessary pain. For example, you should be careful not to bite your cheeks and tongue when you’re still numb. It can be terribly painful when the anaesthetic wears off.”
Also, take note of the dentist’s instructions for your aftercare, especially around fillings and other costly procedures.
“If a filling is not cared for as advised and comes out, we can discuss the best approach to rectify the situation, which might not always be free – each case can differ based on the circumstances. I believe that the best way to approach these situations is to ask myself, “how would I want it handled if I was the patient” and use that as a platform for further discussion.”
Tips to manage in-chair anxiety
Not all clinics offer sedation options like gas or relaxant medication, but there are other ways to manage anxiety, advises Dr Gamer.
“Deep breathing exercises like box breathing, listening to calming music or guided meditations, or even using a stress ball can be effective. I have found the best method to helping anxiety is some great noise-cancelling headphones and some wonderful music or a very engaging podcast, coupled with re-assurance from the dentist.
“Always feel free to communicate your anxiety to your dentist – sometimes just talking about your fears can help alleviate them. Remember, dentists are generally very much used to patients having dental anxiety. It’s never good to demand these things when you are at the practice, a good idea would be to ring ahead and ask the practice which of these techniques they have on hand.”
Managing anxiety around costs
The cost of dentistry isn’t cheap, and there isn’t a great deal of support from health care insurers. However, you can ease your anxiety by looking for a dentist who is part of the Dental99 plan, says Dr Gamer.
“This plan is a world first, a $99 fixed-price affordable dental service care that makes oral health a safe bet for Aussie consumers. Thirty to thirty-five percent of Australians will never go the dentist. They are afraid of the cost. We hope that Dental 99 encourages those without health insurance to maintain their six-monthly hygiene cleans. This helps to avoid gum disease and decay, which can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues.”
“The Dental99 nationwide model guarantees they only pay a $99 fixed price for the four core services at Dental 99. This includes check ups, cleans, non-surgical extractions and pain management. The patient’s needs are front and centre. Remember, your dental health is a crucial part of your overall well-being. We cannot underestimate the volume of research that shows how dental health affects all aspects of general health and longevity. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or express concerns about your treatment. We’re here to make your experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.”
