The visit to the dentist is not something most people enjoy, but routine dental check-ups are necessary. However, if you have dental anxiety, you might try to avoid the dentist at all costs.
Dental anxiety is the fear, extreme stress, and worry related to a dental appointment. Fear of the dentist might cause people to put off dental care. It gets triggered by things like drills, needles, or the dental clinic environment in general. While sometimes, mental health conditions can also increase the risk of dental anxiety.
Regardless of how severe your dental anxiety is, you need to work on it and try to overcome it. But if you have no clue about how to manage dental anxiety, then these proven tips will help you a lot in dealing with dental anxiety:
- Using Relaxation Techniques
Spend some time relaxing your mind before your dental visit. Stretching, meditation and deep, controlled breathing are activities that many individuals find beneficial in managing dental anxiety.
When you reach the clinic, try counting your breaths. Breathe in gently, count your breaths as you exhale, and repeat. While you are waiting for your appointment or in the dental chair, repeat this five times.
Another helpful technique is to do a body scan. Focus on letting each muscle in your body relax one at a time. Work your way down to your toes, starting with your head.
- Trying Sedation or Sleep Dentistry
If you have intense dental anxiety, you should call your dentist to find out what sedative options are best for you to calm you further. To help keep your stress to a minimum, your dentist would wither use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or sedative drugs.
During your appointment, you can review the available options and help your dentist develop a specialized plan to suit your requirements. These medications are safe and highly effective for managing dental anxiety.
- Distracting Yourself
You can distract yourself by wearing headphones so the sound of the drill won’t bother you. Good dental offices also offer televisions and allow you to choose any show you like to watch during the appointment. Moreover, you can also use a fidget spinner or squeeze a stress ball to manage your anxiety.
- Bringing a Loved One
If you’re too anxious, it may seem impossible to divert your attention from the dental exam. But having a family member or a friend will benefit you greatly. Having a supportive person close by might make you feel safer and more at ease, whether you want the person to wait outside in the lobby while you have your appointment or in the room with you.
- Voice your Concerns
Your dentist wants to provide you with the individualized care and attention you require to make your visit as comfortable as possible. It would help if you also voiced your concerns. Don’t hide your anxieties; tell your dentist and the rest of the dental team how you feel. Since dental anxiety is so common, your dentist will have a lot of experience treating patients like you.
- Ask Questions
Be sure to tell any worries, queries, or pain during your session. Your dental staff will be ready to assist you. You can ask questions about treatment, the instruments, or anything else you like. Before the treatment, if you get anxious, let your dentist know that you need a moment.
- Finding the Right Dentist
A good dentist is arguably the best thing to help remove your dental anxiety. So, spend some time finding the right dentist. You’ll feel more comfortable with dental care. Look for a dentist who offers:
- Simple answers to all your questions
- A caring, friendly staff
- Great reviews from current patients
- High-tech dental care and treatments
- A relaxing office atmosphere
If you’re looking for such a dentist in Queensland, then Dentist at Coorparoo is an excellent option. We completely understand that visiting a new dentist can be stressful. But we’re here to help you and ensure you feel relaxed throughout the appointment.
Contact us today and book your appointment.
