Anxiety-Relieving Techniques That Work!

Dental phobia, or fear of the dentist, is quite common. Many people experience nervousness or anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist. Dental fear often stems from a previous bad experience.

Speak Up About Your Fears

Avoiding the dentist due to fear or anxiety is a serious problem that can only get worse and worse over time. If you suffer from dental fear, it’s important to talk about your anxieties with your dentist and hygienist before treatment begins. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away on its own, and it could lead to serious oral health concerns.

Some dentists offer relaxation options to help patients feel more comfortable during dental treatments. Some of these options include nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and/or IV sedation. Talk with your professional about what options are available to you so you can decide which may be right for your situation.

It’s also important to remember that you have control over what occurs during treatment. If one technique isn’t working for you, let your dentist know right away so that they can try something else. Remember that there’s almost always a way to have a relaxing experience at the dentist’s office. It’s all about communicating your needs and concerns to your dental team.

Agree On A Signal

It is important to agree upon a signal with your dental team. That way, if you become anxious or afraid, you can let your dental team know you need a break. This will give them a chance to stop what they are doing and discuss options with you to help relax you.

Take A Trusted Person With You

Consider taking someone you trust with you when you come to your appointments. Having a friend or family member there can provide support and help to relax you during your visit. Your loved one can also help to communicate with the dental office staff on your behalf in the event you aren’t completely comfortable expressing your discomfort or fears out loud.

Taking a loved one to an appointment can also be helpful in terms of providing a distraction from what is going on in the operatory. It can keep you busy and focused on the person you’re with instead of on the procedure itself. This can be especially helpful if you have to undergo a longer procedure like oral surgery or a root canal.

Bring Distractions

You can bring your favorite book or magazine to read in the waiting room. You can also bring your headphones and listen to music as you wait. If you are bringing children to your dental appointment, you can bring along something fun for them to play with while you are in treatment. Bringing these useful items will help distract you from your appointment and hopefully relax you for the next part of your visit.

If you have any questions about oral health, call us at (281) 972-4747 and schedule an appointment with our dentist. We’ll be happy to help you further.