How to Combat Dental Anxiety

You’re not alone if you get apprehensive simply thinking about going to the dentist. Perhaps you’re afraid the visit will hurt, or you haven’t gone in a long time and are unsure what the dentist will discover.

Whatever your reason is, the correct dental staff will take care of both your oral and mental wellness, https://www.pharmacybc.com/xanax-alprazolam/. The longer you wait – or just do not go – to the dentist, the more likely you are to acquire dental problems that will make preparing for future dental appointments more difficult. In fact, seeing your dentist on a regular basis may make the entire process – from scheduling an appointment to completing it – considerably easier on many levels.

Use these techniques at your next checkup to reduce anxiety and boost your smile.

• Speak up: Anyone who suffers from anxiety understands that talking about their feelings may have a huge impact. If you’re feeling tight or apprehensive, do yourself a favor and get your worries out of your head. Your dentist and dental staff will be able to treat you better if they are aware of your needs.
• Inform your dentist about your concerns: Tell the receptionist you’re worried about dentist appointments when you make your appointment. When you arrive, inform the dentist and dental staff of your nervousness. Share any negative experiences you’ve had in the past, and get advice on coping tactics.
• Don’t be scared to inquire: Knowing what is about to happen might help to lessen any worries of the unknown.
• Decide on a signal: If you need to take a break during an exam, signal your dentist by raising your hand.
• Inform your dentist if you have discomfort despite the use of a local anesthetic: Some people are self-conscious about their pain tolerance or do not want to disrupt a dentist during a procedure. Discuss discomfort with your dentist before it occurs so that your dentist will know how to communicate with you and make you more comfortable.
• Divert your attention: When you’re worried, it may seem difficult to take your mind off the treatment, but there are several things you can do to assist distract your thoughts such as:
• Put on your headphones. If the sound of the drill disturbs you, bring headphones and listen to music or an audiobook. Some dental practices even have televisions or DVD players.
• Squeeze a stress ball or play with a tiny portable device, such as a fidget spinner, to keep your hands occupied.
• Consider your happy location and picture yourself sitting on a beach or in a garden.
• Apply mindfulness practices: Relaxation begins with the mind. Deep breathing and mindfulness exercises will help you relax your muscles.
• Take a few deep breaths: Slowly inhale, then exhale for the same number of counts. Do this five times while you’re waiting for your appointment or during pauses in the dental chair.
• Do a body scan: Relax your muscles one at a time, one body part at a time. Begin at the top and work your way down to your toes. For example, you may concentrate on releasing tension in your forehead, then your cheeks, your neck, and the rest of your body.

We’re here to help

We, at Nelson Ridge Family Dental, understand that seeing a dentist can be difficult for many people. But we do things a little differently at the New Lenox, IL office.

We can assist you if you have dental anxiety. Your session will be tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring that you are comfortable and calm throughout. Along the journey, you’ll be informed and educated, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and obtain the answers you need to feel comfortable.