In this post we give
some tips on what you can do during a treatment to better cope with dental
anxiety. Commit to overcoming your fear of dentists. It’s time to
take action. You can’t achieve anything until you have a plan, and we have a
lot of ideas to help you.
Distract Yourself
Modern dentists are well aware of the power of distraction
to ease their patients’ feelings of fear during appointments. Use whatever
means necessary to keep your mind off of what’s being done in your mouth, such
as:
- Count to one thousand by threes.
- Replay a movie in your head.
- Try to remember the speech you memorized for your ninth grade Model United Nations competition.
- Silently recite the alphabet backwards.
Bring a Family Member
or Friend With You
Most adults go to dentist appointments alone. However,
bringing along a friend or family member who understands your fears can be
reassuring. They can help you stay calm during your appointment. Let us know ahead
of time and we will make accommodations
Use Noise-Canceling
Headphones
Many people’s dental anxiety ratchets up a few notches as
soon as they hear the drill. By using noise-canceling headphones, you can block
out the machinery sounds in the office, helping you to relax while the dentist
does their work. Music can help relax you and allow you to zone out while your
teeth are being cleaned. Use your phone or iPod to listen to your favorite
tunes while the dentist works.
Ask About
Modifications
Not every dental procedure must be the same for each person.
Say you have a sensitive gag reflex that makes you dread getting X-rays. Talk
to your dentist about your concerns. Perhaps you can get panoramic X-rays instead,
which are less likely to make you gag.
Stay Halfway up in the
Chair
If you worry about the discomfort or vulnerability of going
all the way back in the dentist’s chair, this problem can be addressed in two
main ways. First, you could try using pillows under the areas where you feel
aches when going back in the chair. Second, the dentist may make an
accommodation for you by putting the chair only halfway back during the
checkup.
Meditate
Meditation calms your nerves by slowing your heart rate and
forcing you to get into a rhythmic breathing. Try practicing at home for a few
weeks before your appointment, so you know how to Zen out when needed.
Use a Nasal Strip
If you breathe through your mouth, you may have difficulty
breathing during a dental appointment because you are not used to taking in air
through your nose. By using a nasal strip across your nose, you open up the
passages and get more air in.
Agree on a Signal
Before the drill comes out or the cleaning begins, talk to
your dentist or hygienist about a nonverbal signal you can give if you become
panicked or uncomfortable. When they see this signal, they can stop and give
you a few moments to recover before continuing.
Consider Changing
Dentists
If you don’t feel comfortable with your dentist, they may
not be the right fit for you. It’s okay to look somewhere else to find a place
where you do feel at home.
Talk About Your Pain
Management Options
If you’re trying to overcome a fear of dentists, you may
simply be scared of feeling pain during your visit. Chat with your dentist and
hygienist about your fears so they understand where your anxiety is coming
from. For example, we could use a topical anesthetic to numb the area where an
injection will be made. By opening a dialogue with your dentist about
alternatives to avoid pain, you will feel more at ease with whatever solution
you find.
Sedation Dentistry
Options
For patients who simply cannot overcome their feelings of
anxiety and fear when they arrive at the dentist’s office, more and more dentists in Sanford are offering
sedation dentistry options, and it is fairly common elsewhere. We can offer you a range of sedation options, depending on your needs. Be
sure to ask about sedation options for your dental procedure. Progressive
dental practices ensure patients are comfortable and will share that sedation
options are there for a range of dental procedures, not just for “surgery”.
You CAN Get Over Your
Fear of the Dentist
By using these tips and planning ahead for your visit, you
can alleviate many of the dentist-related fears that may have been holding you
back from getting regular dental care. Still, adults aren’t the only ones who are
afraid of dental visits.
You can also find information and support online at Dental Fear Center, a website
dedicated to helping people overcome their fear and anxiety about visiting the
dentist. There’s no need to fear going to the dentist. You can get through
your anxiety, go to the dentist with confidence, and feel great about your
smile again.
Contact Us- We’d Love
to Help You
At Oakport Dental, we are dedicated to
our patients having the best and most comfortable dental experience. Knowing
that you have a choice in Sanford dental care providers, we do our best to
treat everyone who walks through our doors like a member of our own family.
Whether it is with determination, sedation options or
professional help if needed, you can overcome your fear of the dentist. Use
these ideas as a starting point to getting past your worries, and always feel
free to contact us at Oakport Dental
if you’d like to talk discuss your needs. We are available for you Monday to
Friday between 8am and 4pm, and you can call us on 407-323-5340,
fax us at (407) 322-9136, or
email us at sanford@oakportdental.com.
