Dental anxiety is a common concern, and often prevents people from addressing oral health concerns.
We all want to maintain healthy and beautiful smiles and to do so, it is essential to attend regular dental check-ups. Unfortunately for many people, feelings of nervousness regarding dental treatment often prevent them from keeping up-to-date with routine visits, which can then lead to oral health problems in the long term struggle with dental anxiety and would like to know how to cope with the issue, read on for our top tips…
1. Speak honestly with your dentist
When it comes to finding ways to cope with dental anxiety, one of the best starting points is to have an open and honest discussion with your dentist. Let your dentist know what your concerns are so that they can make sure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout your experience.
If it helps, ask your dentist to explain what they are doing every step of the way so that you know what to expect throughout your appointment. Your dentist may also be able to recommend some relaxation techniques to reduce your stress whilst in the dental chair.
2. Try some relaxation techniques
If you feel very nervous about your dental appointment, you might consider trying some deep breathing exercises to calm you down and reduce your stress levels. Many people also find meditation very helpful in maintaining a sense of calm and relaxation.
You can meditate while you wait for your appointment, as well as during your treatment — don’t be afraid to simply close your eyes while you’re in the dental chair or focus your eyes on a particular object before making a conscious effort to relax and release any tension in your body.
3. Consider sedation dentistry
If your dentist has recommended some dental work that is making you feel particularly anxious, you can discuss the option of conscious sedation with them. This involves the use of a specially formulated sedative that will keep you awake but feeling calm throughout your treatment. The sedative will induce a highly relaxed state and can be very helpful for patients who struggle with moderate to severe dental anxiety.
4. Know the symptoms
There is a difference between feeling nervous about undergoing a dental procedure and dental anxiety. In fact, it is not uncommon to feel some level of uneasiness before any treatment, but if your nerves are preventing you from sticking to your dental appointments, you may be suffering from anxiety.
Some of the possible symptoms of dental anxiety include low blood pressure; sweating; panic attacks; and heart palpitations. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is well worth seeking professional help so that you can get the issue under control.
How can we help?
At Armidale Dental Care, we understand that you might feel nervous about undergoing dental work, but we encourage you to come in and see us for regular check-ups. This will allow us to identify any issues before they become serious and may even prevent the need for major dental procedures down the line.
During a dental check-up, we will look for problems like cavities and gum disease. If necessary, we will recommend a treatment plan to resolve these issues. We will also provide you with a professional clean, which can help to prevent bleeding gums, bad breath and tooth decay. Our other preventative treatments include fissure sealants and fluoride treatments, both of which help keep tooth decay and cavities at bay.
Besides preventative dentistry, we also offer a comprehensive range of general, cosmetic and restorative treatments. To see our full range of services, please have a look here.
If you would like to make an appointment to see us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here or give us a call on 02 6772 9386.