Many people have anxiety regarding going to the dentist. General dentistry visits can be easier if you have some tools to ease your nerves and get through your appointment with minimal stress. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that you are calmer during dental or other medical appointments.
General dentistry advice for nervous patients
A significant number of people fear going to the dentist for multiple reasons, including not feeling in control and dreading an unwanted diagnosis. Here are some ways to relieve this anxiety and make the most out of dental appointments.
Communicate with your dentist
If you have fear and anxiety regarding going to the dentist, speak to your dentist about your concerns. They may be able to make accommodations for you that would help you feel more comfortable, such as:
- Providing a sedative to relieve pain and stress during a dental procedure
- Turning on a television during the exam to provide a distraction
- Letting you know that it is OK to give them a signal if you need a break during your appointment
- Telling you what they are doing during the procedure, in order to make you feel more comfortable and familiar with the process
Simply talking about your fears and anxiety can do a great deal towards helping alleviate your symptoms. It is a good idea to find a dentist with who you are compatible and who will take your concerns seriously.
Bring a distraction
If you are nervous about general dentistry visits, it is a good idea to bring something to your appointment to distract yourself. This can include a book or game on your mobile phone to pass the time in the waiting room or earbuds to listen to your favorite music while getting dental work done. As long as you are still allowing the dentist and technicians to do their jobs, having a distraction can make the experience better for both you and your providers. Having something for your hands to play with, like a squeezable ball, can also be helpful for you and not a distraction to the dentist and dental assistants.
Practice mindfulness
Similar to bringing a distraction, practicing mindfulness during your appointment can help relieve stress and anxiety. This includes paying attention to your breathing during the exam, as well as doing a body scan while in the dental chair. A body scan is where you tense and then relax each muscle in your body, and it can help you focus on the moment at hand.
Pay attention to time
Arrive at your appointment with enough time to fill out any needed paperwork and answer any other questions that the office might have for you. Feeling rushed can make existing anxiety even worse, so plan ahead to control that factor before your appointment.
Conclusion
Many people have a fear of the dentist. Consider these tips to help alleviate nervousness during your next visit to the dentist.
Request an appointment or call St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry at 772-242-4124 for an appointment in our Port St. Lucie office.
Related Posts
Some people who have a cavity may avoid visiting a general dentistry clinic to have it filled because they worry about discomfort and pain during the procedure. However, allowing the cavity to grow may not only cause consistent pain while chewing or speaking but could also result in the eventual loss of the tooth. Today's…
Dental sealants are used in general dentistry to protect teeth from developing cavities. They form a defensive layer on top of molars and premolars to prevent food and germs at bay. Here is additional information on how the dental industry utilizes sealants to protect patients' teeth.Sealants are slender plastic coatings that dentists paint onto the…
The average dentist in the U.S. works in general dentistry. A general dentist works on the front lines of diagnostic and preventative care for patients of all ages. A checkup with a general dentist can result in the early detection of dental diseases, including gum disease. Patients who regularly set up dental appointments tend to…