Managing Dental Anxiety

Though most people don’t love visiting the dentist, some individuals experience fear and stress about their appointments. In fact, approximately 40 million Americans avoid dental visits because of anxiety. Without proper care, your appearance and oral health can decline. Modern advances allow dentist to keep their patients relaxed and comfortable during dental treatment.

These hints may help you feel at ease during your appointment:

Choose the right dentist
You will automatically feel better about your appointments when you find a dentist that listens to your fears and validates your feelings. As you consider practices, talk with the support staff as well so that you get a sense of the whole team.

Be prepared
Before treatment, meet with the dentist so that he or she can explain the procedure in detail. Make sure to ask any questions you have until you feel comfortable about the treatment. The night before your appointment, get a good night’s sleep so that you will feel well-rested.

Communicate your concerns
If certain things bother you, like the noise of the drill or needles, tell the dentist in advance. Establish a signal you can use during the procedure to let the team know that you are uncomfortable.

Ask about sedation dentistry
Because dentists understand that many people feel nervous about dental visits, many practices offer sedation options such as laughing gas, oral sedation, or a combination of the two. Talk with your dentist to find out what is available and which option would be best for you.

Sedation Dentistry at Smith Sedation Dentistry in Fresno CA