Relaxation Tips for Dental Anxiety
Modern dentistry is nowhere near as painful as it used to be in past generations. Dentistry has come a long way in terms of technology and pain management. Be that as it may, you might still be plagued by a lingering anxiety over visiting the dentist. Such anxiety is more common than you might think and if severe enough, can prevent someone from getting necessary dental care. How can you reduce your anxiety to make dentistry more tolerable?
Timing is Everything
Try scheduling your appointments at a time of day when you are neither pressed for time nor fatigued from a long day at work. If possible, schedule your dental appointment on a day when it can be your only concern. If you try to squeeze a stressful appointment into an already stressful schedule, you will probably be too tense to relax at your procedure.
Communicate with Your Dentist
Never feel too shy to ask questions of your dentist! Get to know your dentist as a friend, so that you can communicate your concerns and questions with us. This helps us get to know you better and meet the specific needs that you have. There is no reason to be embarrassed!
Try Music Therapy!
It’s perfectly fine to bring in an iPod or other music-playing device if you’d like to be distracted. Listening to a book, music, or movie will help make the time fly by and distract you from other noises.
Ask About Sedation and Anesthesia Options
Before your appointment, ask Dr. Matthew about what options are available for making your dental experience run as smoothly as possible. Oral medication or “laughing gas” could help you to virtually sleep through treatment.
Try not to let dental anxiety cause you to miss out on quality dental care. Contact us to communicate your concerns and learn more about effective relaxation techniques.