Dental anxiety is the fear of something you don’t know. The more people who are in this situation, the less likely it will be that they’re afraid at all because everyone knows how to handle their dental fears together and pretend not to feel anything about them! However, some patients may have a negative experience with dentists or oral health when they were young so for these individuals there’s always an underlying sense of unease – even if most recent visits went well.
Dental anxiety is a widespread problem that can be debilitating. It affects your everyday life and causes you to avoid going to the dentist or maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Luckily, there are many ways you can deal with dental anxiety before it gets out of control! Let’s take a look at 10 quick tips for dealing with dental anxiety.
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Locate The Best Dentist In Your Area.
Locating a qualified and experienced professional for all your teeth-related needs is important, especially if you have any sensitive dental problems that need to be addressed quickly or with precision. -
Inform Your Dentist About Your Fears and Devise a Plan of Action.
It can be difficult to visit the dentist, but don’t let this stop you from taking care of your teeth. Your dental health is just as important as any other part of your body and should not be ignored. The best way to conquer a fear may depend on what type it is:
* If you’re scared about pain then make sure that they numb up before anything starts hurting or ask for nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Tell them in advance so they know, too!
* If it’s more of an emotional issue such as being afraid because someone else was hurt there, try bringing along family members who have had good experiences at their appointments with their dentists. Some people also find comfort in knowing that children are often treated better because they’re seen as more innocent.
* If you don’t like the dentist because of something that happened in the past, such as a bad experience, or if you were told off and left feeling belittled, then find another dentist who will better suit your needs. There are many out there! -
Look for a Dentist’s Office That Specializes in Treating Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is so common that many dentists take measures to reduce it. When you make your initial appointment, inquire about the office’s assistance for dental anxiety. -
Recognize the Cause of Your Anxiety
Dental anxiety is so common that one in every four people suffers from it. It’s important to confront this fear or dread of going to the dentist because if you don’t, then your fears and anxieties will continue living inside of you as a constant companion without understanding what they are about at all! Communication is the bedrock of any successful relationship. It’s essential to express your concerns, anxieties, and worries early on, even before you schedule an appointment with a dentist. You’re providing the dentist a chance to assess your situation and adopt an action plan to your specific needs this way. Most dentists will design signs and indications to allow you to take pauses or stop the treatment if you get uncomfortable. -
Ask Your Dentist for Breaks
When the dentist is working on your teeth, it’s important to let him know if you would like a break or want them to stop for a moment. In order to do this, all you need is an up-and-down gesture with one hand; then they will take their time in that area of your mouth and give you some relief before continuing! -
During Dental Appointments, Bring a Friend
During your next dental appointment, bring a friend! A study found that patients who had someone to hold their hand during the procedure were more relaxed. The doctors reported that they noticed less pain and anxiety in these patient’s faces when they entered the room with friends by their side. So if you’re about to go through any type of surgery or treatment, make sure you have some support from those close to you too! -
Practice Relaxation Techniques.
Practicing these exercises will make you feel more at ease and less stressed, even if it’s just for a few minutes out of the day or week. -
Check to See Whether Sedatives are Necessary.
Sedatives can be used to calm someone down in certain situations. However, they should only ever be administered when absolutely necessary and with great caution as side effects may occur that could lead to a more serious situation than the one you are trying to remedy. -
You Should Reward Yourself after a Successful Dental Appointment
You should reward yourself after a successful dental appointment with something you enjoy. Whether it’s going out to eat or buying that new book from your favorite author, rewarding oneself is crucial in maintaining good oral health and boosting self-esteem. -
Try Visualization Techniques
Visualization is a popular technique if you’re anxious about going through your dental appointment. It might be able to help you relax by picturing yourself in your favorite location, like camping on the mountains, on the beach watching the waves crash onto the shore or imagine your favorite place in nature with all of its beauty.
There’s no need to feel so anxious about going to the dentist when these quick tips can help alleviate some of those fears right away. Find what works for you with dental anxiety – whether it be nitrous oxide gas, bringing family members with good experiences into appointments, or finding a new dentist altogether. With any luck, your fear may start diminishing over time too!
Are You Looking for a Dentist Who Can Help With Your Dental Anxiety?
Do you worry about going to the dentist? If so, then Balfour Dental in Brentwood is a great place for you. They have over thirty years of experience helping patients with dental anxiety and their services include many different certifications that are top-of-the-line! Dr. Rayani and Dr. Siao both have many different certifications, including Invisalign Certification, Implant Dentistry, Sleep Apnea Treatment, Cerec CAD-CAM Restorations, Neuromuscular Dentistry, and Implants respectively. Our dental office is locally owned and operated by Dr. Dimple Rayani and Dr. Sien Siao, two professionals with vast experience in Implant Retained Denture treatments as well as general dentistry. If you are looking to renew your smile, contact Balfour Dental today!
