Overcoming Dental Anxiety
The American Association estimates that over thirty million Americans suffer from dental anxiety. These are patients who continually cancel appointments, don't come in for checkups and delay necessary treatment until they have a much more serious problem.
The millions of people who never see a dentist – the true “dental phobics” – are very apt to end up toothless!
With modern equipment and techniques, dentistry is now virtually painless. If you are fearful, the first step is to let us know – our goal is to provide you with the best dental care possible and we cannot do that without you! The following are a few tips to help make your visit to our office worry-free:
• Ask questions about procedures that cause you anxiety. If you know and understand what is going to happen, you'll have less reason to worry.
• Eat a light meal before your visit and try not to drink coffee, teas or colas as they stimulate you instead of relaxing you. Eating a rich protein snack like a lean meat sandwich will help stabilize your blood sugar and reduce irritability.
• Distract yourself in the dental chair by using headphones to listen to the radio or to music you find relaxing. This will muffle noises that may bother you.
• Establish a signal, such as raising your hand, to let us know you want us to stop a procedure. It will make you feel more in control and it gives you a chance to ask for more anaesthetic if you feel any discomfort.
• The ways you deal with stress outside of the dental office will work inside too! Try thinking of pleasant images, deep breathing or relaxing your muscles one by one.
Some or all of these techniques may help you feel more at ease and above all, don't be afraid to ask us for a helping hand. That's what we're here for!
