Dental anxiety is a real problem for many individuals. The idea of undergoing any type of treatment, no matter if it is a regular dental checkup and cleaning or a more invasive root canal, causes many patients to cancel, reschedule, or even give up on receiving valuable dental care. As a result, these missed visits lead to extensive and often costly procedures in an attempt to save a patient’s smile. If you are one of the many who are eager to find any reason not to visit the dentist’s office, take a few moments to read the following article. Here you will discover 5 helpful ways you can overcome your fear of the dentist and get the oral healthcare you need.
Trust and Effective Communication
Seeing a dentist you trust is one of the key aspects to ensuring a less-stressful experience. By spending ample time talking to your dental professional about your concerns and anxiety, they can better understand your needs and recommend ways to help you relax during your visit. Most dentists understand that dental anxiety is a real problem and will go above and beyond to find ways to not only change your perception but also curb your fears. Not to mention, once you find a trusted dentist, you will not only feel more relaxed but so will they.
Schedule Your Visit When You Have Ample Time
When you feel like you’re pressed for time, you’ll likely appear more anxious. This is why it is beneficial to schedule your dental appointment not only when it’s convenient for you, but also when you have ample time before and after your visit. That way, you can ask questions and express your concerns without feeling rushed.
Discuss Sedation Options
If your dentist in Castle Rock offers sedation dentistry, inquire as to which methods are used and whether you are a qualified candidate. Oral conscious and IV sedation are two popular methods as well as nitrous oxide. Depending on which form your dentist recommends, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that your future dental visits can be more relaxing and less stressful. Whether it is taking a pill or receiving an IV, these safe and effective techniques can make it possible for you to undergo multiple treatments at one time as well as give you greater peace of mind.
Inquire About the Pain Level
If pain is what you are worried about, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist about what you can expect. Many patients want to know every detail about a particular treatment. From the moment they arrive until they’ve fully recovered at home, it can help to have an idea of what kind of pain or discomfort you might experience along the way. In many cases, you may only need a mild over-the-counter pain reliever; however, in other situations, your dentist may need to prescribe antibiotics or another medication to help ease discomfort. Either way, knowing what to expect can often lessen the anxiety you might be experiencing when facing an upcoming procedure.
Practice Breathing Techniques
It is not uncommon for individuals to hold their breath when anxious or scared. Unfortunately, this reaction lowers oxygen levels, resulting in heightened emotions and feelings of panic. Instead of allowing your natural response to take over, try slowly breathing in and out during your dental visit. This continued practice can help you move through your appointment with ease, enabling you to focus more on your breathing and less on what is happening inside your mouth.
Don’t let dental anxiety get the best of you. Employ these techniques during your next visit and watch as your fears and worries lessen over time.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington understands that for some individuals, visiting the dentist can cause anxiety and fear. From the sights and sounds to the idea of dental instruments moving around within the mouth, it can result in many patients forgoing necessary care and being faced with more severe complications in the future. Fortunately, he and his team are pleased to offer sedation dentistry to calm nerves and ensure a more comfortable experience for every patient. If you believe you could benefit from oral conscious or IV sedation, visit our website or call (360) 703-9092.