Many people are anxious about going to the dentist. Anxiety about dental visits can be caused by fear of having dental injections (shots). Some people dread the sound of the dental drill. Some don't even like the sight of the instruments the dentist uses.

Most dentists offer ways to help you relax. You can listen to music through headphones or watch a movie.

Many patients are anxious because they fear pain. Long ago, dental fear about pain made sense. There were no numbing shots. If a patient needed anesthesia, he or she was hit on the head and literally "knocked out." Later, less violent methods included the use of opium or alcohol. Still, treatment had to be done quickly before the drugs wore off.

These days, no one should expect pain at the dentist's office. The use of local anesthesia has come a long way, and routine dental treatment can be done in a pain-free manner. Even the sting of the numbing needle can now be avoided: Dentists can use numbing gels and computer-guided injection methods.

Local anesthetics provide you with a pain-free experience. Many years ago, Novocain was a popular local anesthetic. Patients and dentists often use Novocain as a general name for all local anesthetics that are given by injection. However, the local anesthetics used today are typically lidocaine or carbocaine.

Newer methods, such as electronic anesthesia, may allow you to escape needles completely. This involves impulses sent through electrodes to help block pain.

Your dentist will test the numbed area to make sure the anesthetic is working before beginning treatment. But always tell your dentist if you don't think your pain control is working, or if you feel it starting to wear off. Your dentist can't always tell when you are uncomfortable.

You also can arrange a signal (such as a raised finger or hand) that will let your dentist know if you are feeling any pain or discomfort, or if you need a short break.

People who are extremely anxious may need a sedative for dental treatment. This may be laughing gas (nitrous oxide) or a pill that your dentist prescribes for you. It may involve the use of intravenous anesthesia. This can be sedation, to relax you, or you may receive general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep. But no matter how anxious you are, there are techniques to help you obtain oral health care.

If you do not know of any dentists in your area who provide these services, contact your local dental school, hospital or dental society for a referral.