Do You Dread The Dentist?
Do you find yourself postponing your routine hygiene examinations or recommended treatments due to nervous feelings or dental fear? If so, you are not alone. Many adults suffer from some form of dental anxiety, but it doesn’t need to stop you from getting the oral hygiene care you need and deserve. We strive to make our patients always feel comfortable while under our care, but there are certain things you can do to help calm your nerves. If you feel there is nothing that can be done to ease your fears, we have some solutions to help. Continue reading to learn more.
Tips to Encourage a Relaxing Dental Experience
It is not unusual for patients to experience some form of anxiety when visiting the dentist, but the problem arises when patients avoid routine appointments and needed treatments. We want to help patients feel comfortable and relaxed from the moment they enter our office. You may be surprised to learn there are certain changes you can make to your daily activities to encourage the feeling of relaxation:
Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, causing an increase in anxiety in some patients. Avoiding beverages such as coffee and soft drinks and switching to water or chamomile tea is wise on the day of your appointment.
Schedule Your Appointment Wisely
Be sure to schedule your appointment during a time of day that you are most relaxed, such as early in the morning. It is not recommended to schedule your appointment after a long work day.
Listen to Relaxing Music
On your way to your appointment, listen to music that puts you in a relaxed state. Don’t hesitate to bring headphones and listen to music, a podcast, or an audio book during your appointment.
Helping Patients With Severe Fear
There are some patients who, no matter how hard they try, cannot relax when coming to our office. We offer sedation options using medication to help these patients feel comfortable and get the dental care they need. After speaking with a patient to learn of their concerns and feelings, we may recommend using nitrous oxide or oral sedation during treatment.
If you are located in the Montgomery, AL area and need to schedule an appointment for an examination or treatment and are feeling a little uneasy or nervous, please contact our office. We can discuss a plan to ensure that you are relaxed and ready for your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
