At Catonsville Dental Care, we use many kinds of dental anxiety management techniques to help our patients get over their dental anxieties.
Tens of thousands of Americans dread their usual dentists. Knowing how to calm your dental anxiety can actually help. At Catonsville Dental Care, we use many kinds of dental anxiety management techniques to help our patients get over their dental anxieties. Read on to learn about dental anxiety, the triggers, and how you can overcome it.
What Exactly is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is the unease, stress, and apprehension and fear a few people experience when they go or think about visiting dental offices. For a lot of people, anxiety rises quite high until it becomes a true phobia, an irrational and overwhelming fear. Dental anxiety is an issue since it can keep people from making and maintaining normal dental appointments, or from looking for help in early stages of oral health issues. As a result, people with dental anxiety are much more likely to experience bad oral health. Patients that neglect or delay treatment are much more likely to end up in dental offices for any emergency services.
Talk with Your Dentist
Don’t be afraid to tell your dentist about this. You might feel embarrassed, but you will not be the first or last patient to feel scared or nervous about your treatment. Feeling embarrassed is preferable to jeopardizing oral health by letting anxiety keep you from the care you require.
Pick Specific Strategies for Remaining Calm
Once your dentist knows exactly how you feel, they can tell you all about dental anxiety management techniques. Here at Catonsville Dental Care, we suggest patients that who feel anxious should
- Wear headphones or listen to music during procedures
- Hold comfort items, such as squeezable balls and small stuffed animals, in the chairs
- Practice breathing and other muscle-relaxation techniques
- Request more vertical positioning in your dental chair if you find the horizontal position intimidating
Ask About Sedation Dentistry
If you are experiencing extreme dental anxiety and other dental phobias, sedation could be appropriate. On the other hand, staying awake during treatment could reduce your anxiety, too. The more patients experience treatment, the more accustomed they become.
Catonsville Dental Care Can Handle All of Your Oral Care Needs
Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and a commitment to comfort, safety, and relaxation, you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, X, and YouTube.