09/30/2021
If you ever get nervous about going to the dentist, youโre not alone. Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Whatever your reason, the right dental team will ensure your dental and emotional health are taken care of. The more you delay or prefer not to go to the dentist, the higher the risk of developing dental problems, making gearing up for future dental visits more difficult. In reality, seeing your dentist regularly can make the entire process much more manageable.
Here are some strategies to help you cope:
๐ Prepare to share your fears with your dentist
๐ Ask your dental provider to explain whatโs happening at every stage of the appointment or procedure so that you can mentally prepare for whatโs to come.
๐ Establish a stop signal, such as raising your hand, letting your provider know that youโd like them to stop. Use this signal whenever you are uncomfortable, need to rinse your mouth or catch your breath.
๐ Relaxation exercises such as focused breathing and mediation can successfully slow your heart rate and put you at ease.
๐ If your anxiety is severe, your dentist might recommend using medications through different levels of sedation to help reduce your anxiety.
๐ Bring a friend or family member to the appointment.
๐ Bringing distractions to the dental chair, such as headphones for music or podcasts, can be effective.
๐ Ultimately, managing your dental anxiety will involve a combination of the above options. If you feel as if your current dentist doesnโt care about your dental fears, maybe consider finding a new one. Your dental anxieties can damage your dental health, so itโs essential to find a dentist who is willing to take the time to help you and make sure you get the best dental care.
๐ So, give us a call to discuss your dental anxiety concerns and allow us to work with you to develop a treatment plan that helps put your fears to rest.