Top Tips to Manage Dental Visit Anxiety

Experiencing anxiety surrounding a dental visit is a normal occurrence for many patients. In fact, research by the Cleveland Clinic concluded that 36 percent of Americans experience anxiety surrounding visiting the dentist. Fortunately, Pristine Dentistry, a comfort dentist in Vista, can help you overcome your dental worries by providing you with a safe and relaxed environment. We also offer our patients sedation dentistry options so you can remain comfortable throughout your appointment.  

In addition to our services, here are a few tips to help you with managing dental visit anxiety:

Be Honest with Your Dentist

Some patients feel embarrassed about admitting they experience anxiety at the dentist. Since this feeling is common, however, your dentist is experienced at working with patients who suffer from dental anxiety. By being honest with your dentist, they can work with you to find solutions that will help make your visit both relaxed and comfortable.  

Take Advantage of Distractions

Most dental offices today offer a variety of distractions to help patients relax and reduce their focus on the dental procedure itself. These distractions include providing headphones to listen to music, offering a selection of television shows or movies to watch, snuggling up with a warm blanket, or even just chatting with your dental team before and after your cleaning and exam.

Consider Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers patients the opportunity to relax during dental procedures with the help of sedatives. Sedation options often include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and full IV sedation. Talk with your dentist to find out which sedation methods are right for you and for your procedure. Sedation during a dentist visit allows you to relax throughout your treatment in a safe environment.  

Make Fun Plans After Your Appointment

Whether you’re going in for a teeth cleaning or a filling, you can focus your attention on something other than the dentist by making plans for later that day. Set up a date with friends to see a movie or set a spa appointment or massage for yourself. Having something other than the dentist to think about allows you to look forward to being out of the dentist chair as you focus on something you enjoy.  

Prepare Before Your Visit

You can help manage dental visit anxiety by preparing before your appointment. Stay away from caffeine and excess sugar as foods and drinks containing these can make you feel agitated and shaky during your appointment. Also, be sure to get a good night’s rest before your visit so that your body is more relaxed. If your dentist doesn’t offer one, prepare to bring a blanket with you so you can feel comfortable and secure throughout your appointment.

Bring Someone with You

Sometimes, just having another person that you trust in the room with you can help relieve dental anxiety. Bring along a friend or family member. Your dentist will make sure they can sit someplace where you can see them. If you don’t want them in the room during your visit, ask them to stay in the waiting room where you can see them as soon as your treatment is complete.  

Snuggle with Your Pet Before Your Visit

Spend some time with your pet before going to the dentist. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, petting your dog or cat can help reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels and even lower blood pressure. If you have a pet at home, spend a few extra minutes with them before your appointment to lower your anxiety before you come in.  

Contact Pristine Dentistry today and find out how we can help you reduce your dental anxiety while experiencing superior dental care.

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