If the thought of going to the dentist makes you feel anxious, you’re not alone. Many people put off dental care because of fear or anxiety. Most people feel some level of anxiety about being in the chair, even though most routine dental procedures are comfortable.
Communication is the first step.
If you have everyday dental anxiety and not a phobia, but you still find yourself postponing routine care, there are steps you can take to help you stay calm. First, talk to Dr. Kerri Hill at The Art of Dental Wellness. When she’s aware you’re scared or anxious, she can discuss potential treatment options that may help.
How Can I Distract Myself at the Dentist?
One way to help yourself remain calm during a dental visit is to distract yourself. Everyone is different, but most people have at least one thing they find particularly pleasant that may help take their minds off the task at hand. Some possibilities include:
- Music: create a soothing playlist to take along
- Audiobooks: some people get lost in a good story
- Podcasts: the dentist’s chair is a good place to catch up on all those episodes you’ve missed
- Guided imagery: imagine yourself in a pleasant place and think of as many details as possible
What Relaxation Techniques Can Help?
You can practice several relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety at the dentist’s office and reduce stress at other times.
Lowering overall stress can help reduce anxiety related to specific things, including dental visits.
Breathing Exercises
Simply being aware of your breathing can have a calming effect. Noticing how it feels as you inhale and exhale is soothing. There are also breathing exercises such as breathing in for a specific count, holding your breath as you count to a set number, then exhaling for a count.
The exact time isn’t important, but counting and maintaining a regular ratio will help you feel calmer.
Progressive Relaxation
Beginning with your toes, contract your muscles, then relax them. Work your way up your body, consciously contracting and relaxing each muscle. Keeping your muscles relaxed can mean less discomfort, and the process of slowly contracting and relaxing can have a calming effect.
What About Pain Control?
The anxiety most people feel related to dental visits is a fear of pain. Modern dentistry can be quite comfortable, and for any procedures that may be uncomfortable, there are techniques to help you feel more at ease.
One example is sedation dentistry, which is sometimes called sleep dentistry. There are four basic types of sedation: minimal, moderate, deep, and general anesthesia.
- Minimal sedation is when you are awake but relaxed. This state can be achieved by inhaling nitrous oxide or a carefully controlled oral sedation dose.
- Moderate sedation can cause you to slur your words and possibly not remember the procedure. Dr. Hill may give you oral medication or use intravenous delivery of medication.
- Deep sedation and general anesthesia render you either totally or nearly unconscious. You won’t remember the procedure.
To learn more about your options and determine whether you’re a candidate for sedation dentistry, book an appointment online or call the office at (424) 355-0355. We’ll be happy to discuss your needs and answer all your questions.
The questions patients ask us first
What can I do to distract myself at the dentist?
You can bring a soothing playlist, an audiobook, or a podcast, or use guided imagery by imagining yourself in a pleasant place in as much detail as possible.
How does progressive relaxation work?
Beginning with your toes, contract your muscles, then relax them. Work your way up your body, contracting and relaxing each muscle, which can have a calming effect.
What types of sedation are there?
There are four basic types: minimal, moderate, deep sedation, and general anesthesia. Minimal sedation keeps you awake but relaxed, while deep sedation and general anesthesia leave you totally or nearly unconscious.
What should I do first if I am anxious?
Talk to Dr. Hill. When she is aware you are scared or anxious, she can discuss potential treatment options that may help.
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Every smile and treatment plan is different, so Dr. Hill reviews your options with you at your consultation.
