X

Dental anxiety is common among patients of all ages. Feelings of fear or anxiousness often come with visiting a dentist due to the unknown or the potential for pain. Thankfully, modern-day medicine and dentistry have allowed for the evolution of anti-anxiety tools to help patients manage and overcome their fears.

Dental anxiety, in particular, can be managed in a number of ways, however, not every option is suitable for everyone. It is important to talk with a dentist about dental anxiety prior to undergoing any procedures or appointments to ensure that there is a plan in place. Having a plan in place will help avoid surprises or potential anxiety attacks later on down the line. 

How a dentist's office can ease dental anxiety

The following information can be useful for someone who suffers from feelings of fear or anxiousness regarding going to the dentist. Keep reading to learn more!

Anxiety medication

One of the most common in-office solutions for dental anxiety is a medication administered by the dentist that helps patients to feel more relaxed and less anxious about their appointment or procedure. While these medications do have to be administered by a dentist, it is important to consult with a doctor too. Doctors can prescribe something that may not interfere with any other medical conditions. 

Going over the procedure step-by-step

A simple way that patients can manage and overcome dental anxiety is by talking with the dentist about the procedure or appointment. Dentist offices are staffed with dentists, dental hygienists and even dental assistants. Each of these team members can walk the patient through their appointment or procedure so that the patient knows exactly what to expect. 

A lot of feelings of anxiousness or fear come from the unknown. Some procedures allow the dentist to talk through each step with the patient so that they know what is going on at every point in time. Being aware of what is happening can be quite helpful in reducing dental anxiety. 

Breathing exercises

Another way that a dentist's office can help patients overcome dental anxiety is by practicing breathing exercises. Oftentimes when patients experience fear or anxiety, they may have difficulty breathing. Dentists and assistants can help patients focus on their breathing patterns to help maintain steadiness. Deep, steady breaths are known to help reduce anxiety and panic, which can be helpful for patients feeling worried or afraid. 

Music

Another option for dental anxiety is to listen to music. A lot of dentists are okay with their patients bringing in headphones to listen to music during the procedure or appointment. Certain music can be comforting while feeling afraid or nervous. 

Learn more today!

There are a lot of ways that dental anxiety can be managed and overcome. Working with a dentist to come up with a few anti-anxiety options can be helpful for dentist appointments and procedures. Reach out today to learn more or to get started with dental anxiety management tools.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistinlongbranch.com or call Garden State Healthy Smiles PC at (732) 504-6914 for an appointment in our Long Branch office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.


Related Posts

November 6, 2024

Emergency Dentist: When To Seek Immediate Dental Care

Wondering when you should see an emergency dentist? Read on to learn more. Regular dental care can prevent emergency dental treatment. Unfortunately, dental emergencies do happen unexpectedly, even if you brush and …

November 1, 2024

4 Things You May Not Have Known About Clear Braces

Clear braces are transparent, which allows for a more discreet treatment process than with traditional metal braces. Many have heard about clear braces, but it is helpful to understand more about what …

October 1, 2024

The Dental Bridge Procedure: A Step-By-Step Guide

A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more teeth and want to enhance your oral health and self-esteem. The dental bridge can restore your smile’s …

October 1, 2024

Gum Disease Treatment: What To Expect From Start To Finish

Think you may need gum disease treatment? Read on to learn more about this condition. Gum disease treatment is necessary if infection-causing bacteria invade the oral cavity. Without prompt treatment, the bacteria …

Dr. Sevil Pinkhasov:
Related Post