FIVE TIPS FOR OVERCOMING DENTAL ANXIETY
Created on August 15, 2015
Dental anxiety is so common that approximately 15% of adults avoid visiting the dentist because of fear.
Dental anxiety is more common in older adults, who may have experienced dental care when procedures were not as advanced as they are today. The older you are, the more likely it is that you had a dental procedure when anesthesia was not used and your comfort as the patient was not foremost in the dentist’s mind.
However, great strides have been made in making the dental patient comfortable!
Here are five strategies to calm your fears:
- Talk to your dentist. Remember that your dentist is a patient, too. If you are anxious about a procedure, talk with your dentist about it. It could be that the ‘unknown’ is what you fear, especially if it has been many years since you last visited a dentist. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!Get distracted. Let your mind wander; think about something else. At Dr. Peck’s office you can watch a movie, listen to the radio or a podcast or audio book on your mobile device. We even offer head rest pillows and a blanket to help give you a feeling of well-being.
- Talk with your hands. It is difficult to communicate with your dentist with a mouthful of dental tools. Talk to your dentist before your procedure about how you will communicate any pain or sensation you may feel.
- Consider medication. Today’s anesthesia is much more effective than in years past. Discuss with your dentist the varied possibilities, such as an oral medication taken the night before your procedure, numbing medication or nitrous oxide.
If you find that you lose sleep and tend to worry excessively about what might happen at the dentist’s office, Dr. Peck can put your fears to rest. Your oral health is well worth the effort!
Call for a consultation, today!
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