Dental anxiety is a serious issue that often leads those afflicted into skipping dental appointments. This type of anxiety only makes things worse, since ignoring dental issues will lead to more serious complications and higher dental bills. Regular visits to the dentist are an important part of preventative dentistry. Even if the person starts off with a healthy mouth, it is only a matter of time before serious oral issues begin to develop.
5 Tips to cope with dental anxiety
1. Talk to your dentist about your dental anxiety
Most dentists have lots of experience in dealing with people who are uncomfortable with the idea of sitting down in a dental chair. The dentist will help patients come up with strategies to help cope with their fears of a dental visit over time. Dentists have many tools at their disposal when it comes to anxious patients, and he/she will come up with an appropriate solution for the patient's particular situation.
2. Use friends and family members for moral support
Having a support system can go a long way when it comes to dealing with dental anxiety. If the idea of going to the dentist's clinic makes someone afraid, then they can take a friend, family member, or significant other with them. This will help to relax the patient during the treatment. Having someone tag along will also give the patient an extra mouth to ask questions with.
3. Use breathing exercises to relax
Those who deal with dental anxiety can calm themselves down by meditating or performing breathing exercises. Try performing one of these before heading out for the appointment and feel free to continue when at the dental office. People can also use stress management tools like a stress-relief ball to help calm down during the treatment.
4. Consider sedation dentistry
With a large number of people that experience anxiety when they visit the dentist, there are many medications that can help someone calm down. These medications can help with simple dental procedures like teeth cleanings and fillings.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is one of the more popular options in sedation dentistry that helps patients to relax during treatments. It is a fast-acting gas that a dentist administer to the patient with a gas mask over the patient's nose and mouth.
Another benefit of nitrous oxide is the fact the effects wear off in minutes after removing the mask. That means the patient is free to drive home after getting treatment. Oral sedatives like Valium are also possible options to help anxious patients relax.
5. Use Visualization
Visualization is sometimes enough to help people get over their fears. Just think of a happy place when you find yourself feeling nervous at the dentist's office. You can also visualize how happy you will be when you no longer have to deal with the dental issue that is bothering you.
Want to learn more about easing dental phobia? Contact one of our dentists for a consultation today.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Ping Hai DDS, request an appointment in our Marietta dental office here: https://www.drhai.com. Or call us at (770) 239-2722.
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