People experience varying degrees of dental anxiety. For some, even the thought of going to the dentist can cause anxiety and stress. For others, dental anxiety can cause a full-blown panic attack. Regardless of your level of anxiety, there are ways to manage it. Read on to learn a few tips that can help.

Choose The Right Dentist

If you’re nervous about going to the dentist, choose one that will put you at ease. You should feel comfortable with your dentist’s personality and experience. You should also look for a dentist who offers a variety of comfort options to help you feel relaxed during your dental treatments. For example, sedation dentistry and nitrous oxide are both relaxation techniques that can make your appointment much more pleasant. Ask your dentist about these options so you can figure out what will work for you!

Communicate With Your Dentist

It’s normal to be nervous before your appointment, but don’t let that anxiety keep you from getting the care you need. Talk to your dentist about your fears and concerns so he or she can help you feel at ease during your visits.

• If you have any anxiety about your treatment, be sure to let your dentist know in advance. He or she can give you options to help you feel more at ease, such as numbing the area with a topical anesthetic or prescribing you an anti-anxiety medication you can take before your procedure.
• Talking with your hygienist and dentist can also help put you at ease. They can explain every step of your treatment and answer any questions you might have so you can feel fully comfortable in the chair.
• It’s also important that you feel in control of your visit, which is why it’s important to ask as many questions as you have during your time with your dentist. It’s important to understand what’s happening in your mouth so you can be an active participant in your dental treatment plan.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re uncomfortable. If you’re in pain, tell your dentist right away so they can take steps to ease the issue. And if something doesn’t feel right in your mouth after your procedure is finished, tell your hygienist about it so it can be addressed immediately.

By making an effort to communicate your needs and preferences with your dentist and hygienist, you can work together to find the right level of dental care for you, which can help you feel more relaxed during your appointments.

Practice Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation therapy can relieve tension, reduce pain, and leave you with a positive outlook before your appointments. Breathing is an incredibly important process that helps you cope with anxiety. If you are feeling anxious, try focusing on your breathing and slowing it down. This will help your body relax more naturally. Take a deep breath in through your nose and slowly let it out through your mouth. Repeat for a few minutes until you feel more relaxed. Even though you’ll still be in the dentist’s chair, practicing slow breathing can calm you down and help you feel more at ease.

Use Sedation Dentistry

Many patients experience anxiety related to receiving dental care. If you’re one of them, sedation dentistry can help take some of that fear away to make your procedure more comfortable and less stressful for your body. Some of the most common forms of sedation used during dental treatments include oral sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, and IV sedation. Your doctor can help you determine which method is right for you based on your medical history and current dental health. 

To find out more about the dental services offered at One and Truly Dental, call (516)-759-0086 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 70 Glen St, #240 Glen Cove, NY, 11542.