Do you suffer from dental phobia? Do you experience anxiety at the mere thought of visiting the dentist? You are not alone. Many people experience fear at the dentist’s office. In fact, the fear of the dentist is one of the most common fears people have. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little help, you can overcome your fear and have a positive experience at the dentist. Here are a few tips for making your dental visits a pleasant one.
- When you’re looking for a dentist, it’s important to choose someone you trust. One of the best ways to find a dentist you can trust is to ask your family, friends, and neighbors for recommendations. You can also research different dentists on the internet. Look for any reviews or testimonials that former patients have left to show what their experience was like. Once you’ve narrowed your search down to a few dental practices, call the office to schedule a consultation to meet with the dentist. During your consultation, you can ask the dentist any questions you may have, as well as get a feel for the office setting and the staff. This will allow you to make a final decision on your new dentist quickly so you can get back to having a smile that you’re proud to show off!
- Once you have finalized your dentist and have booked your appointment, ensure that you arrive there on time. By arriving ahead of schedule, you can help to ensure that you don’t feel rushed or stressed before your appointment even begins. Having a few minutes to collect your thoughts and relax can help to ease the tension you feel when you arrive at the dentist’s office. A distracted mind can lead to an anxious body which can hinder your ability to receive proper dental care.
- Music is a distraction that can make your appointment more tolerable. Listen to upbeat tunes that put you in a good mood, or listen to your favorite podcast or audiobook. Stay away from songs with lyrics that are emotionally challenging for you, as this could cause discomfort while you are in the chair.
- Another way to distract yourself from the sights and smells of the dentist’s office is to bring along a friend or relative who can sit in the waiting room. Having someone to talk to can help take your mind off the procedure. If you are nervous about going to the dentist, talk to your dentist about any sedation options that are available that can further help to calm you throughout your visit.
- If you have dental fear, be honest with your dentist about what you are feeling. Letting your dentist know what is going on with you can help them to better support you at the moment. You can also ask for sedation dentistry that helps our patients feel more relaxed during dental treatment and procedures. Oral conscious sedation is a moderate level of dental sedation that involves taking an oral sedative before your appointment to calm your nerves. It will make you feel very groggy and relaxed throughout your entire visit, so you will need to have a friend or family member drive you to and from your visit. You will also need someone at home to assist you in getting to bed after treatment is finished. You will need to avoid driving for the rest of the day.
If you want to learn more about good oral care habits, visit the Covington Signature Dentistry office at 27121 174th Place SE, Suite 202, Covington, WA 98042, or call (253) 638-9955 to schedule an appointment.