Tips To Ease Dental Anxiety

Dental fear or anxiety is a common dental issue. People who have dental fears avoid visiting the dentist regularly. This can affect your oral health and smile aesthetics. If you have dental anxiety, here are a few coping tips. 

Speak up to the dentist about your fears

About 35 million American adults avoid going to the dentist because of fear and anxiety, according to the Academy of General Dentistry. If you are afraid of the dentist or experience uncomfortable feelings during an appointment, speak up! Let your dentist know if you feel anxious; this can help ease your fears. Your dentist will work with you to keep you as comfortable as possible during your visits. 

Agree on a signal

If you suffer from anxiety or fear of the dentist’s chair, it’s a good idea to let your dentist know so he or she can help keep you comfortable and relaxed during your visits. One way to do this is to agree on a signal to let the staff know if you need a break or if you are feeling uncomfortable. For example, a patient could tap his or her hand or finger on their leg to let the dentist know they need a break.

Take a trusted person with you

You need to have someone accompany you to the appointment if you are very anxious or fearful. The presence of a loved one can help you with relaxation. Having someone to talk to during your appointment will help the time go by, and you will not have to concentrate on your fear alone. This trusted person can also hold your hand, provide comfort, and help you relax during your appointment.

Bring distractions

If you’re nervous about an upcoming procedure, bring a distraction to keep you occupied during the treatment. Our favorites? A book, headphones, or a tablet are great options because they mask most voices and sounds. Many patients find that listening to music helps them relax and ignore what’s happening around them in the chair!

Consider sedation dentistry

If the idea of going to the dentist sends shivers down your spine, you might be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. At your dental office, we offer a range of options so you can feel more relaxed during your treatments rather than anxious. Some people might experience anxiety when it comes to visiting their dentist, but it doesn’t have to be this way. With sedation dentistry, you can feel at ease during any procedure—even the more involved ones like a root canal or wisdom tooth extractions.

If you’re looking for relaxed, comfortable dental care, contact our dentist in Salt Lake City, UT. Call our office at (801) 266-1414 today to schedule a consultation!