Do you get nervous when thinking about visiting the fairview dentist? If so, you are not alone. Studies show that up to 20% of Americans have some level of dental anxiety, and these fears can range from mild to severe. Luckily, several tips and strategies can help you cope with your fear and make it easier to visit the dentist.
- Find a caring dentist
Finding a dentist who makes you feel comfortable is key to overcoming your anxiety about visiting a Fairview dentist. Look for a practice that offers sedation dentistry or other methods to help anxious patients relax during their appointments. You should also look for reviews online or talk to friends and family who have had positive experiences with the practice.
- Talk about your fears
The best way to combat anxiety about going to the dentist is to talk about it with your provider before your appointment. Explain what triggers your anxiety and how they can best help you. Most dentists will be understanding and sympathetic, as they want you to get the care you need without feeling overwhelmed or anxious beforehand. If possible, bring a friend or relative with you for moral support during the treatment sessions!
- Take control of your appointment
If certain aspects of dental visits make you particularly uncomfortable, such as hearing noises associated with dental tools or having lights shone into your mouth, let your dentist know beforehand so that he or she can take extra steps to address these concerns when caring for you at the Fairview dentist office. Taking control of these situations can give you peace of mind that everything will go smoothly throughout the appointment process and make it easier for you to stay calm while receiving care.
- Consider sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry uses drugs such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedatives (pills taken by mouth before treatment) to help anxious patients relax during the procedure and reduce any discomfort afterward. This type of treatment can be particularly beneficial if you’re having a more extensive procedure or need to have several treatments in one session, as it helps to reduce any anxiety while still allowing the necessary work to be done to your teeth safely and effectively.
- Practice relaxation techniques beforehand
Practicing relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, yoga, guided meditation, etc. before going to your Fairview dentist can help reduce feelings of stress or panic associated with dental visits. Being able to focus on these calming practices while sitting in the chair can also make the time pass quickly during longer procedures!
- Take time to reflect on the visit afterward
When the appointment is over, take some time afterward, either alone or with someone close to you, to reflect on how things went. Don’t try to force yourself out of any lingering feelings, but acknowledge them so that you can find ways to deal with them next time. It’s important not to use this opportunity to beat yourself up, but rather to assess how the experience went and if there are areas where improvements could be made!
- Focus on the benefits of regular visits
Focusing on the long-term benefits of regular dental care – such as improved overall oral health – can help put any negative experiences into perspective and remind you why it is important to see your dentist regularly. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy will prevent painful procedures that will need to be done in the future, along with maintaining good oral hygiene habits every day!
- Reward yourself for visiting the dentist!
It may seem counterintuitive to reward yourself for fearing something, but it can actually help to overcome the anxiety associated with visiting the dentist! Give yourself a little treat after a successful appointment, such as an acupuncture coffee cream – whatever makes you feel the happiest – take steps to care for your teeth! Doing will positively reinforce the behavior that makes you love your dates instead of dreading them!
With these tips in mind, hopefully, you will feel more confident about scheduling your next visit to the Fairview Dental Office! Remember that a caring, supportive team is always available to help with any concerns you may have about your post-treatment experience!
