At MI Dental in Kitchener, we regularly meet patients who have delayed their dental care for years, sometimes even decades due to dental anxiety or dental phobia. For some, it is the sound of the dental drill, for others, it is the idea of a needle going into the gum and often, just being inside a dental office is enough to trigger anxiety.
The good news? Modern dentistry has come a long way and we are here to help you take the first step.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety can range from mild
uneasiness to severe fear that prevents people from going to the dentist
altogether. This anxiety often manifests in ways like:
- Avoiding dental cleanings and check-ups
- Canceling or delaying appointments
- Only seeking care when in pain
- Not following through with recommended treatments
And the triggers vary widely:
- The sound of the dental drill
- Fear of dental needles or injections in the gums
- The sensation of dental instruments in the mouth
- Unfavourable past experiences, especially from childhood
We have found that many patients have
traumatic dental memories from their younger years, when they felt pain
during a procedure and were not listened to. Others recall freezing
(local anesthetic) not working effectively and instead of pausing to
reassess, the dentist continued, leading to discomfort, mistrust and
long-term avoidance.
For others, it’s past experiences where local freezing wasn’t fully effective,
and they felt intense cold or discomfort. These moments left lasting
impressions — and those impressions became obstacles to seeking care.
Dentistry Has Changed & So Have We
If your negative experiences were decades
ago, it is worth knowing that dentistry in Ontario and especially here
at MI Dental in Kitchener has evolved dramatically. In the 70s and 80s,
even the use of gloves was not standard. Today, the focus is on gentle,
patient-centered care using state-of-the-art technology and
compassionate techniques.
How MI Dental Helps Patients with Dental Anxiety
We take dental anxiety seriously and go above and beyond to ensure your comfort from the moment you walk in.
Here is how we support our patients with dental fear:
- We closely monitor facial expressions and body language, stopping before you need to ask.
- We tell you to raise your hand if you need a break, putting you in control.
- We ask multiple times during treatment if you are doing okay.
- We explain procedures clearly so you know what to expect.
- We take our time, especially when giving
local anesthetic, by going very slowly thereby reducing the discomfort
caused by tissue expansion.
- We use a cartridge warmer to bring anesthetic to body temperature (38°C), no cold sting when it’s injected.
- We offer Nitrous Oxide sedation
(laughing gas), a safe, mild form of conscious sedation dentistry that
helps you feel calm and relaxed.
- We have TVs on the ceiling so you can enjoy Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ or YouTube during your treatment.
- We provide a relaxing, judgment-free environment designed for people just like yourself.
What You Can Do to Reduce Dental Anxiety at Home
Overcoming dental phobia begins with small steps. Here is what we recommend:
- Read up on your recommended treatment so you are not going in blind.
- Ask us questions, we are happy to walk you through every step.
- Try mental imagery: Picture yourself on a quiet beach or in a peaceful forest during treatment.
- Remind yourself that you are in control, we stop whenever you ask.
More knowledge = fewer surprises = reduced anxiety.