Useful Ways for Nervous Patients to Deal with Dental Anxiety
Dental care is a must-do for anyone who wants to stay healthy. Your oral health can affect more than just your teeth, so sticking to regular appointments is essential. When you suffer from dental anxiety, heading to regular checkups and procedures is rarely fun. Fortunately, there are ways to manage your fear of visiting a dentist.
Take a friend to your appointment
Sometimes fear of the unknown can make anxieties worse. As dental practices aren't familiar settings for most people, they can make your anxiety worse. One way to achieve familiarity and boost your comfort levels is to take a friend with you to your appointment. Check with your dentist in advance, but they're unlikely to mind you bringing someone along.
Find someone who specialises in anxious patients
If you're moving to a new area or if your anxiety is difficult to manage, try finding a dentist who specialises in anxious patients. Some offer solutions such as twilight sedation, which can make appointments less daunting. However, if you choose to use twilight sedation, you may need someone to drive you home after your appointment.
Choose morning appointment times
As with any other form of anxiety, your worries about undergoing dental treatment will worsen as the day goes on. To prevent this from happening, request that your appointment is as early in the day as possible. As a result, you'll have less time to spend worrying about it. In contrast, if you use afternoon appointments you may spend more time building your fear.
Listen to music at your appointment
Sometimes distractions are enough to dampen anxiety. Some general dentistry clinics offer TVs so that you can focus on something else. If yours doesn't, ask them if they're okay with you listening to music while your treatment takes place. To make this approach effective, choose music that's soothing rather than something that's energetic. If you want to block out the sound of tools, consider creating a white noise playlist.
Start with small procedures
If your dentist recommends that you need a filling and it isn't urgent, consider starting with small procedures. Less invasive techniques, such as cleaning and polishing, will give you the chance to familiarise yourself with your dentist. As your experience with them builds, you may feel more confident attending other appointments. To make this approach effective, ensure you use the same dental professional each time.
With a gentle approach and some relaxation techniques, you can reduce your dental anxiety. As your dental health continues to improve, you'll thank yourself for your efforts. You can contact your general dentistry clinic for more information.
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