24 Jun How to Relieve Dental Anxiety and Fear of The Dentist
Many people have fear or anxiety surrounding dental visits. If you don’t know what’s going to happen, or if you’ve had a negative experience with a dentist in the past, or if you have anxiety for any other reason, we can help.
At Prescott Dentistry, we want to make your appointment experience as positive and easy as possible. Always tell us about any anxiety you feel so we can help you relax at your next visit. Meanwhile, here are a few ways you can calm dental anxiety and fear of the dentist, so that your next appointment is much less nerve-wracking.
Communication is Key
If you’re nervous when you sit down in the chair for your next appointment, let us know. Being vocal about any anxiety or concerns you have can help us to relieve any fears you may have, and you’ll be able to put your mind at ease. Knowing that you’re anxious can help our dentists, too, because they’ll know to warn you before they do anything that might stress you out.
Plan and Prepare
When scheduling your appointment, choose a day and time that works well for your schedule. Make your appointment for a time when you don’t have to rush off to work, to another appointment, or to pick up the kids. By giving yourself time after your cleaning or dental procedure, you’ll be less stressed from the start. You should also avoid drinking too much coffee or eating sugary foods before heading into your appointment, so you don’t feel jittery, which can make anxiety worse.
Ask Your Dentist To Explain The Process Beforehand
If you’re nervous because you’re unsure of what’s going to happen during the procedure, ask your dentist to walk you through what’s about to happen. They can explain the process step-by-step so that you can prepare yourself before the chair reclines. They can also repeat the steps to you as they happen, so that you’ll know exactly what is coming next and just how much longer until it is over.
Plan to Reward Yourself After Your Appointment
Finally, plan to get a small treat or something for yourself afterwards. Maybe this means going shopping at your favorite store, or getting lunch following your appointment. Giving yourself something to look forward to can make your anxiety easier to manage.
Call Prescott Dentistry Today
At Prescott Dentistry, we know that fear of the dentist and dental anxiety are very real problems that plague many patients. If your fear of the dentist prevents you from seeking dental treatment, your oral health and overall health will deteriorate over time.
We recommend that you reach out as soon as possible in order to work with us to determine a way that we can provide the care you need in a way that makes you feel comfortable. Our compassionate team prioritizes your oral health, and we want to calm your dental anxiety and fear of the dentist. Give us a call today to set up an appointment.
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