Do you feel overwhelmingly nervous about upcoming dental work? You are not alone. About 20% of dental patients of all ages experience significant anxiety about visiting a dental office. Dental fear can affect your ability to obtain the oral health care you need, so you should not ignore your upcoming dental appointment or your feelings.
Modern dentistry prioritizes the comfort of its patients, so you can speak with your dentist to find targeted ways to reduce nerves and feel at ease in the dentist’s chair. Read on to find advice from your dental expert that can help you combat dental anxiety and feel comfortable at your next dental appointment.
Communicate with Your Dentist
If you know that you might feel anxiety during your dental appointment, let your dentist know. Give them a call before your visit to discuss your concerns.
Your dentist wants you to have a positive experience in their care. Addressing dental fear can help your dental work go smoothly and efficiently. You can even see a lower chance of complications related to anxiety, including gagging.
Your dentist will maintain open communication with you during each step of your dental work as well. They can let you know what to expect ahead of your appointment so that the knowledge can help you feel less stressed.
If you prefer not to know what the dentist is doing, tell them that as well. Either way, your dentist can adjust their methods to suit your needs and make you feel relaxed in their care when you keep them updated.
Relax Before Your Dental Appointment
There are steps you can take before you arrive at your dentist’s office that may help you fight dental anxiety. Stress relief efforts like deep breathing exercises can calm you down.
You can also bring music and headphones with you to your appointment. Listening to songs that make you happy or relaxed can distract you from your dental work and prevent anxiety.
You may want to bring a friend with you to the appointment that can bring you comfort and support. Your dentist can offer more relaxation tips when you give them a call.
Ask About Sedation Dentistry
If you are prone to dental fear, your dentist can offer you targeted medicine that will induce a calm sensation so that you can relax during your dental procedure. Sedation dentistry was developed and honed to safely make patients comfortable so that they can receive the oral health care they need without undue stress.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is one method of sedation that helps many patients with dental anxiety. You breathe the medicine through a mask over the nose or mouth to feel relaxed without affecting your consciousness. The effects will fade as soon as you begin breathing normal air again.
Your dentist might also give you oral sedation which involves taking a prescribed pill prior to your dental appointment. The medicine makes you feel relaxed enough that you might even fall asleep during your procedure.
For this reason, you will need to arrange a ride home from the office. Find the right type of dental sedation for you by calling your dentist today.