New year, new you?  Whether it’s getting new dental insurance, fulfilling New Year’s resolutions or deciding to focus on the health of your mouth, January is a common month that we see new patients.  A lot of times these new patients have put off seeing the dentist.  What often keeps them from the chair is anxiety.  We use the term dental anxiety when it comes to patients who are anxious or afraid of the dental office.  But did you know that this is a common and manageable anxiety? So if this sounds like you, keep reading for recommendations to help your next dental appointment go smooth and stress free!

 

Find the right dentist for you. 

A dentist-patient relationship is special and not all dentists might be the right fit for you.  Do some research and find out what other patients interactions are with that dentist.  You can do this through their website, reviews or word of mouth.  Also, it helps to find out if the dentist has experience working on anxious patients.

 

Communication.

Let your dentist and staff know about your anxiety and ask questions.  Letting your dentist know can help them determine how to make you the most comfortable at your appointment.  Also remember you are in control of the appointment. So if you are feeling overwhelmed and need a break, don’t be afraid to let them know!

 

Drown out the noise. 

During treatments we encourage people to be relaxed and listening to your own music can help achieve this.  Especially now a days with noise cancelling headphones it makes it possible that you can completely tune out the noise.  Also, if you forget your headphones see if your dentist has any earplugs as often times we do.

 

Let go of any embarrassment. 

If being embarrassed of your mouth is the cause of your anxiety- please don’t be embarrassed!  As healthcare providers, not only are we used to seeing a wide range of conditions in the mouth, we also have a no judgement policy.  Not only that, we are excited to help someone get out of pain, get a healthy mouth or achieve a smile that is a source of pride.

 

Get comfortable. 

Some offices, such as ours, provide neck pillows and heavy blankets to help reduce the stress of being in the chair.  Our office even carries stress balls for you to hold onto to help alleviate tensions.  Most dental offices don’t mind if you bring one of your own in as well.

 

Zen time. 

Try controlled breathing or mediation.  Controlled breathing and meditation can calm and lower anxieties.  At your next visit try some of these out.

 

Look into sedation. 

If all else fails there is anti-anxiety medication, laughing gas, conscious or general sedation, to help your experience be a positive one.  Be sure to discuss with your dentist the risks and benefits of these as well as any side effects to expect.

 

Although it may seem daunting to make that appointment if you have dental anxiety, letting problems in your mouth go can lead to serious consequences.  Utilizing these tips can help crease a stress free and relaxing trip to the dentist.