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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentistry in Port St. Lucie, FL
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.
Dental patients can visit a general dentistry office for various preventative procedures that promote long-term oral health. For example, dental sealants can protect teeth susceptible to decay, and a dentist may recommend this treatment option for multiple reasons.Sealants are wafer-thin coatings of resin or plastic a dentist places over the chewing surfaces of back teeth…
When you experience a dental injury, serious tooth pain, or signs of a potential infection, it is important to schedule a general dentistry appointment. While dentists are equipped to treat a variety of oral health issues, many of these can be avoided with proper preventative care. Most dentists offer treatments that can help significantly reduce…
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth damage the tooth's enamel, causing cavities. General dentistry practices can help prevent tooth decay and treat it to avoid the pain, infection, and potential tooth loss that can result from cavities.Bacteria in the mouth is the cause of tooth decay. When these germs combine with food, plaque…
