Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Tips for Overcoming Dental Office Anxiety
Unfortunately, it’s no secret that not everyone looks forward to seeing their dentist. For various reasons, many people experience anxiety when they know they have an upcoming appointment. Some try avoiding the dentist altogether, and this can put their oral health at serious risk. If you’re someone who is afraid of your DDS, we’re here to help with these tips for overcoming dental office anxiety.
- Give your dentist a heads up. Letting your doctor know that you are nervous being there will tell him or her that they should potentially take a different approach to your visit. Many dentists will take extra time to explain what each action will feel like and will confirm that you’re alright throughout the process. If you would like, coordinate a signal with your dentist that both of you understand as a need to pause for a moment.
- Bring someone you trust with you. Having a family member or close friend accompany you to your appointment can help calm your anxiety. Psychologically, being with them tells your body that you are safe since your loved ones wouldn’t bring you somewhere you could be harmed. You can even ask if they can sit with you during your procedure.
- Have a distraction with you. Bring your own headphones with you to the office, and listen to music that you haven’t heard yet so you will be slightly more focused on the songs than your anxiety. If that doesn’t work, try to find a dentist who has televisions in his or her exam rooms to provide other distractions.
- Speak to your dentist about available sedatives. Sometimes, if you’ve been through a traumatic past experience, quick distractions may not work to ease your dental anxiety. If this is the case, you and your dentist may agree that administering a sedative is the best way to make you feel comfortable. This can be done locally, orally, or intravenously.
Whatever the reason, overcoming your dental office anxiety is a big step towards improving not only your oral health, but your mental health as well. Your dentist’s main goal is to help you keep your teeth and gums in good condition, so they will do everything in their power to make you feel comfortable and safe in the process.
Ronald Murphy Dentistry is committed to providing you with personalized, gentle care and listening to your concerns to ensure you are completely comfortable with everything happening before, during, and after your dental procedure. If you are looking for a dentist around Batavia, IL who will provide you will the best dental experience possible, call our office at 630-879-7642.