Dental anxiety is common amongst many patients, and if you’re also suffering from dental anxiety, you’re not alone. Modern dentistry now allows dentists to assist patients with overcoming dental anxiety through sleep dentistry and environmental changes to ensure patients feel and relaxed and comforting as possible.
Below outlines some typical reasons as to why dental anxiety is common amongst patients:
- General fear of the dentist and the environment
- Feeling scared and embarrassed about the state of teeth and gums
- General sedation fears
- Past traumatic experiences when visiting the dentist in the past
- Fears of sharp sensations pressing into the mouth
If one of these reasons resonates with you, then there is no need to panic. At Dural Dental, we’re happy to listen to your concerns so that you can be given comprehensive support to help you overcome these fears. It is important to note that dental check-ups are essential to overall wellbeing, and we want to help you return to the dentist feeling comfortable.
You can also help yourself to prepare for your visit. Below are four tips to take on board to help in overcoming dental anxiety.
Sharing Your Fears
You can always contact us directly to discuss your fears. Doing this will help the dentist ensure the environment caters to your expectations to help you overcome them. Talking about your fears is a difficult step but is also very important. We have the necessary tools available to adapt to what you need to make sure your visit is comfortable as soon as you step into the practice.
Be Familiar With Your Environment
Sometimes it helps to become familiar with your dental practice before your appointment. This also includes being comfortable during a dental check-up when the dentist works on your teeth. Being comfortable with these sensations will help you feel more relaxed throughout the duration of your check-up. This will involve visiting the dental practice, but the dentist will support you every step of the way.
Meditating And Calming Techniques
If you have a check-up appointment coming up, why not start your day with meditation and calming techniques to help you relax and clear your mind from any tense feelings? For example, close your eyes and take deep breaths in and out for your muscles and mind to relax. Feeding yourself positive thinking will allow you to feel ready when you visit the practice and, essentially, decrease your dental anxiety.
Bring Somebody With You
If you’re too anxious about going to the dentist on your own, why not take somebody with you? Take someone who has visited the dentist before and isn’t anxious, such as a family relative, so they can help you get through your appointment.
Be Comfortable With Sensations
If you have anxieties from injections, needless and treatment pain, understanding the sensations from a check-up appointment is worthwhile so you know what to expect. The dentist can share the kind of sensation you may experience to help you prepare.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety Is Important For Oral Health
Although dental anxiety is common, it is also important to try and overcome them if you want your teeth and gums to remain strong. Whilst performing basic oral hygiene fundamentals, the dentist will have a better understanding of the state of your oral health, and can also provide essential knowledge to help you maintain strong teeth and gums. Luckily, modern dentistry has all the tools necessary to ensure your visit to the dentist is as comfortable and as relaxing as possible. If you need to adopt some coping strategies, we have you covered!
At Duran Dental, we can address your dental anxiety by catering to your needs upon your visit. Overcoming dental anxiety can be performed together. Let us help! Contact us so we can get you started on your dental journey today!
