Visiting the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience for many people, and some are even paralyzed by the fear of dental work. In fact, dental anxiety, a fear of the dentist and dental procedures, is prevalent among people of all ages and backgrounds. But is there anything we can do to overcome this deep-rooted phobia? The compassionate dentistry team at Bend in Oregon is devoted to helping patients of all ages overcome dental anxiety and have a positive dental appointment experience.
Dental anxiety can be due to a variety of reasons, from a bad past experience to fear of being in a vulnerable position or feeling out of control. Luckily, there are ways to overcome these fears, and Bend’s compassionate dentistry team has put together some strategies to help.
Find A Dentist You Trust
One of the best ways to help you overcome dental anxiety is to find a dentist you trust. The team at Bend is focused on providing compassionate and attentive care to put you at ease. When you trust your dentist and know that you’re in good hands, it can make a world of difference in your overall experience.
Communicate With Your Dentist
It’s important to communicate openly with your dentist, letting them know your fears and concerns. This will help them to create a plan that will make the experience as stress-free as possible. It’s also helpful to use a signal, like raising your hand, when you need a break during a procedure. This will help to alleviate some of the feeling of loss of control.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Practicing relaxation and breathing techniques can help to calm you before your appointment. Deep breathing exercises can help to slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and reduce anxiety. Another helpful tip is to try to focus on something else during your appointment, like a calming, happy memory or a pleasant experience. Use all of your senses to recreate that memory and help keep your mind off of your fears.
Consider Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a great option for those with severe dental anxiety. It is offered at Bend’s practice and can make dental procedures much more manageable for many patients. This type of dental care provides relief from fear and anxiety, and helps the patient remain relaxed and comfortable throughout their appointment. This can be done through oral medications, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation.
Regularly Schedule Your Dental Appointments
One way to help reduce anxiety is to keep yourself on a regular dental appointment schedule. Doing this can help to establish a calming routine and give you back a sense of control. Regular preventive care can also help to reduce the likelihood of needing more invasive procedures down the road.
Find A Support System
It can be helpful to arrange to have a friend or family member accompany you to your appointment. Having someone to talk to and distract you can help you to feel more at ease. After your appointment, it can also be helpful to talk about your experience with someone close to you for emotional support.
Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be a scary and anxiety-inducing experience. The compassionate and experienced dentistry team at Bend is dedicated to providing a comfortable and stress-free experience to their patients. When you work with your dentist to bring your fears to light and develop a plan, you can start to overcome your dental anxiety and have a positive, stress-free dental experience.