Experiencing fear and anxiety about the prospect of dental treatment is extremely common, but there are many ways to potentially calm your nerves before a visit with the dentist. Here at Delmarva Dental Services, we fully understand that many patients get quite nervous before and during dental exams and procedures. From the general environment of the practice to the approach of our dental team and the tools they utilize to enhance patient comfort, we aim to make the entire dental care experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible for our patients.
Whether you suffer from a mild case of anxiety or severe “dental phobia” at the thought of visiting the dentist for treatment, here are some tips to follow that may be very helpful for alleviating your fears and obtaining the care you need:
- Be certain that you are comfortable with your provider from the very beginning. Research dentists in your area to ensure they are properly credentialed, highly experienced, and emphasize comfort and compassion in their approach to care. Reading patient reviews can also be very helpful to get an idea of what others have to say about the practice.
- Don’t be hesitant to ask any questions you may have about the particulars of the treatment and what to expect. This can help you prepare for the procedure and understand more about what is going on.
- Take deep breaths. It may sound a bit cliché, but simple breathing and/or meditation exercises may help many individuals reduce anxiety and feel calmer before and during treatment.
- If you are a tea-drinker, certain kinds of tea are known to have relaxing properties. Chamomile and peppermint are two examples of teas that may be helpful for diminishing anxiety.
- Ask about sedation dentistry options. Here at Delmarva Dental Services, we offer several techniques designed to help patients experience a more relaxing and comfortable treatment. Some are even capable of producing a light sleep during the procedure. Knowing these options are available can help many patients begin calming their nerves before they even get to the office. They can go a long way toward relieving anxiety and making a dental appointment a fear-free—even pleasant—experience.
Sometimes dental anxiety can be so severe that one may forego necessary dental care altogether. This can ultimately lead to major oral health problems, and can even increase risks to general health. If you suffer from dental anxiety, or even just mild nervousness about dental treatment, know that you are not alone and that there are many ways to help overcome it and allow you to receive the care you need! For additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our practice.