Overcoming Dental Anxiety
February 14, 2022 11:25 pm |Odontophobia, also known as dental anxiety, affects millions of people in different ways. For some, they might experience nervousness before and during a dental appointment. For others, it means avoiding going to the dentist altogether. Below are some of our tips to overcome dental anxiety.
Why Do People Get Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety can develop in a variety of ways. Some people develop dental anxiety based on a previously bad experience with a dentist. Others might feel anxiety over the fact that they’re unable to properly talk during treatment. Whatever the source, common symptoms of dental anxiety include rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, panic attacks, and sweaty palms.
5 Tips to Overcome Dental Anxiety
Ready to combat your dental anxiety? Follow these tips:
1. Take Slow, Deep Breaths
Deep breathing can help relax your body’s nervous system and decrease anxiety. There are several deep breathing methods you can try. One popular technique is called the 4-7-8 method. Whenever you start to experience anxiety, take a deep breath in for four seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and slowly exhale for eight seconds. Continue to do so until you feel calmer.
2. Bring Someone Along for Support
Bring a family member or friend to your dentist appointment so you have someone to keep you company.
3. Talk to Your Dentist Before Your Visit
If you’re afraid of the unknown, or if it’s your first time visiting a new dentist, chat with your dentist beforehand to get an idea of what you can expect during your treatment. If you’re new to Meadow Creek Family Dentistry, take a peek at our first visit page to get to know our office!
4. Ask for Sedation
Sedation dentistry can be immensely helpful to those experiencing dental anxiety. Meadow Creek Family Dentistry offers nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. It relaxes the patient and wears off quickly after treatment. Our team administers it through a face mask. It’s safe enough for anxious children as well as adults. We also use The Wand to administer local anesthesia during certain procedures. The area to be numbed is much more localized and the discomfort of the injection is minimized. Patients experience less overall discomfort and anxiety with the computerized precision of The Wand.
5. Enjoy Your Dental Office’s Unique Amenities
At Meadow Creek Family Dentistry, we offer family-friendly amenities like scented towels, massaging dental chairs, and paraffin hand treatments to give you a spa-like experience with us!
Affordable, Relaxing Dentistry in Spartanburg & Inman, SC
We know that going to the dentist can feel like a major undertaking for some, but our staff at Meadow Creek Family Dentistry would love to help you feel relaxed and happy during your treatment. Whether you need preventive care or are exploring ways to improve the look and feel of your smile, you deserve the very best care. Take a look at our financial page to learn more about our affordable financing options and contact us to schedule your appointment!
Categorised in: Dental Tips, Oral Health, Our Office
