Most of us don’t exactly enjoy going to the dentist, but if you have anxiety, a dental appointment can be a nightmarish experience. If the thought of attending an appointment at your dentist’s office puts a knot in your stomach, you’re not alone. Plenty of people deal with dental anxiety, and fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help ease your fears.
Breathing Exercises
Taking slow, deep breaths and focusing on your breathing rather than what’s going on during your appointment can help keep you calm in some cases. Simply close your eyes, inhale slowly through your nose, hold your breath for a couple of seconds, then slowly release your breath through your nose or mouth. Pause for a couple of seconds before repeating the process.
Bringing a Friend
Sometimes, bringing a friend who you feel safe with can help you get through the appointment you need to attend. You may not be able to speak to your friend during your examination, but their presence in the room with you might help you feel at ease.
Before you invite a friend to come to your appointment with you, check with your dentist’s office to ensure that this is permitted.
Anxiety Medications
If you have anxiety medications, taking them before your appointment might help ease your mind while you’re undergoing a dental procedure. Let your dentist know if you’ve taken any medication before your appointment, though.
Talking to Your Dentist
If you’re feeling particularly anxious about seeing the dentist, let the care team know when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive at the office. In some cases, simply telling your dentist or hygienist that you’re feeling uneasy can help them cater the appointment in a way that makes it a little easier for you.
In some circumstances, your dentist’s office may offer sedation dentistry so that you can be mildly sedated during your examination or procedure. Some offices provide several levels of sedation, so be sure to ask when you’re scheduling your appointment.
Seeing a dentist can be a difficult experience if you have anxiety, but if you visit a compassionate office and work with dental professionals who understand your unique needs, you can lessen some of the anxiety you ordinarily feel during dental appointments.
Reach out to Golden Heart Dental at 907-328-0868 to discover what we can do for you when it comes to relieving your dental anxiety.