Dental Anxiety and You
If you are like most people going to
the dentist is not on your “things I love to do list.” But for some people, the thought of going to
the dentist can bring on such a fear that they avoid getting the dental care
they need. In fact, nearly 15% percent of Americans avoid seeing a dentist due
to fear.
For those who get sweaty palms, or
feel their stomach getting sick before their trip to the dentist, it is good to
know that this type of fear can be easily managed, and is even preventable as
dentists these days focus much more on the comfort of their patients. Technology has also advanced so far as many
procedures are of a shorter duration than those of the past.
Ways to Manage and Prevent Anxiety for
Your Next Dental Visit
Choose a dentist that you TRUST and
communicate with them. Remember
that your dentist is also a patient, too!
Talking about your fears and anxieties will allow your dentist to listen
and address your specific concerns and be gentle with you in those areas. Use hand signals during the procedures to let
your dentist know what is making you uncomfortable.
Daydream away! Use your imagination and picture a place that makes you relaxed. This can be a beach or by the lake, taking a walk in nature or being with someone you love. Find a focus that creates a relaxing environment until the procedure is done.
Daydream away! Use your imagination and picture a place that makes you relaxed. This can be a beach or by the lake, taking a walk in nature or being with someone you love. Find a focus that creates a relaxing environment until the procedure is done.
Give yourself plenty of time. Schedule an appointment for a time when
you're less likely to be rushed, such as early morning, evening or weekend.
Create your own sound environment. You may be bothered by the sounds drills or scraping, if so, bring an mp3 player or ipod and listen to your favorite music.
Create your own sound environment. You may be bothered by the sounds drills or scraping, if so, bring an mp3 player or ipod and listen to your favorite music.
It could very well be that the
unknown is what you fear, so don’t be afraid to ask questions before a
procedure and make sure that your dentist does everything he or she can to make
you feel comfortable during your visit. And getting regular dental care is
vital to not only your oral health, but also your overall health, so it's well
worth the effort.
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