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How to Combat Dental Anxiety

Combat Dental Anxiety

Regular dental checkups are necessary for maintaining good oral hygiene, but dental anxiety, or apprehension over office visits, prevents many folks from seeing the dentist. Dental anxiety is a widespread condition that affects roughly 36% of the American population. Instead of postponing checkups, here are some techniques to deal with dental anxiety, as well as some signs and reasons.

Treatments And Coping Strategies for Dental Anxiety

Both adults and children might suffer from dental anxiety. Here are some coping methods to aid you in overcoming your worries and getting back into the doctor’s office.

Inform Your Dentist About Your Worries

Don’t be afraid to express your worries to your doctor. Your dentist in Chandler will make efforts to ensure the process goes smoothly. They can walk you through each process from beginning to end, so you understand what to expect. They can also suggest strategies to help you stay calm and be more at ease during your session. So do not be scared to inquire. You will feel less anxious if you know the method.

Improving Your Breathing

Breathing exercises might give you peace of mind and feel less stressed. These techniques might help you relax during your dental treatments. Keep your eyes closed and take a steady, deep breath in from your nose. Retain it for just a few seconds, then exhale gently through your lips. You should do this multiple times.

Muscle Relaxing And Mindfulness

Anxiety might grow while lingering in the reception area or the dentist’s seat. In this case, meditating is the simplest activity that can help decrease tension and increase relaxation. This creates a condition of greater ease, concentration, and muscle relaxation that may be performed anywhere, including your doctor’s office.

Keep your eyes closed or concentrate your focus on a particular object and help your mind to relax. Focus attention on various regions of your body and make a deliberate attempt to relax your whole body, beginning with your head and ending with your toes. You can stay calm and attentive by meditating before and throughout your visit.

Guided Imagery

One method is to imagine joyful memories while waiting in the dental chair. Think of your “happy place” and recall any amusing or uplifting recollections from your life. Feeling nostalgic may make you feel much better, which can help soothe and clear your mind.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis entails silencing the consciousness and instilling a sense of tranquility. This guided relaxing exercise assists you in entering a hypnotic state, from which a hypnotherapist may utilize the power of thought to ease your stress. It’s necessary to keep in mind that a hypnotist cannot force you to do something you don’t like to do.

Analgesia

This is a type of pain reliever drug. These medications are available over-the-counter. However, dentists often administer these drugs before treatment. It helps with mild anxiety and pain. Our dentist in Chandler frequently employs nitrous oxide, popularly called laughing gas, a transparent and tasteless gas that you inhale before or during your operation.

Sedation with Awareness

Mindful sedation is a potential treatment for individuals experiencing anxiety. This requires you to take an oral anxiolytic medication just a few hours before your dentist visit. Because this is not general anesthesia, you will not be unconscious during the procedure. You’ll be awake and attentive but in a relaxed mood.  A driver will need to be with you for the appointment and stay in the office until you are done.

Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler specializes in dealing with patients with Dental Anxiety. Our dentist in Chandler proudly offers a variety of anxiety and stress-reducing tools so that no patient has to be afraid of taking care of their smile.

Our goal is to help our Chandler patients permanently reduce symptoms of anxiety, overcome stress and lead a happier life with excellent dental care.

Written by Dr. Silverman

Dr. Silverman is the co-founder of Peace of Mind Dental, a Chandler Arizona, general dentistry practice.

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