Dental Anxiety - Easing Your Fears
Dental anxiety is something that many patients struggle with at some point in their life. It may be due to a bad experience as a child, being embarrassed that you did not take care of your teeth, or simply you do not like the dentist. Whatever the reason, dental care is important to your overall health. No matter how afraid you may be, not having a routine dental appointment can create serious issues that may impact your mouth and overall health.
There are a few simple things that can be done to ease your dental anxieties and make your dental appointment more enjoyable:
• Talk to your dentist or hygienist. Asking questions about the procedure or treatment you will receive can help fears about not understanding or comprehending what till take place during your visit.
• Get to know the dental assistants that will be with you during your visit. They are there for you, to make sure your visit is as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Sometimes a smoothing voice is all you need. Arrive a few minutes early, but not too early.Being late and rushed only add to your anxiety.
• Bring something to read with you while in the waiting area or waiting in the chair to help keep your mind occupied.
• The use of headphones for music, audiobooks or podcasts during the procedure can help drown our fearful noises and get to a more relaxed place.
• Different types of meditation or breathing techniques can be useful.
• Eat a well-balanced meal before your appointment.
• Avoid sugars or caffeine. Those ingredients can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks. Calming drinks, such as green tea, chamomile and lavender are a great was to soothe anxiety .
• Make your next appointment before leaving the office, so that you will not have to think about it once you leave.
Depending on your level of anxiety, you may need something prescribed by your dentist to help you relax. Nitrous oxide is a breathable gas you can have during the procedure to help you feel more at ease. Another option is a prescription sedative, like valium, prior to your appointment to ease anxiety. If this is an option you would need someone to drive you to the appointment. You could also be referred to a dentist that fully sedates you for treatment so you have no recollection of the procedure. Talk with your dentist about which option is best for you.
Your dental professional should do their absolute best to make you feel as comfortable as possible, and your dental team should be sensitive to your needs throughout your appointment. If you have dental anxiety and want to be seen at a dental office that will be more than happy to accommodate you, contact our office today.
To schedule an anxiety free appointment please email us at indigo.indigodentistrycolumbia.com or call us at 803-736-9991.