At Afdent, our goal is to help every single patient feel completely relaxed, at ease, and comfortable during their dental visit. But studies have shown that over 80% of Americans suffering from some level of dental unease and 36% are affected by dental anxiety.
If you suffer from it, some of the things that you may have been experiencing are:
- Having sleepless nights on days leading up to your dental appointment
- Feeling uneasy while inside the dental clinic
- Difficulty breathing, especially when you’re already seated in the dental chair
- Sweating
- Crying, panicking, or fainting
Know that you’re not alone and we have helped thousands of people overcome their fear. This is important since avoiding the dentist can negatively affect your oral and overall health. The good news is that dental phobia is manageable, and there are ways for you to handle it. Listed below are some of the things you can do.
Visit With a Friend or Family Member
One of the steps you can take is to go to the dentist with a close friend or family member. Being around someone you trust during the dental procedure is an excellent way to calm your nerves. They can also help encourage you on why regular dental visits are essential.
Communicate With Your Dentist
Another thing that you can do is to be open with your Afdent dentist. Talk to us about your worries, as well as any other experience that may trigger them. In this way, you and your dentist can come up with a plan that will help alleviate your anxiety.
This plan includes discussions about treatments, how tools are used, and possible levels of physical discomfort. You can also agree on a sign that you can use whenever you need a break during your appointment.
Use Relaxation Techniques and Medications
Prior to your appointment, take some time to get in the right mindset. Many people find it helpful to do stretches, meditation, or deep controlled breathing. If you suffer from extreme anxiety, you may want to discuss with your dentist and family physican what type of sedation techniques may be appropriate to help you relax further.
We may decide to use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and/or sedative medications to help reduce your anxiety to a minimum. We can discuss these possibilities at your consultation and come up with a customized regimen to meet your specific needs. These medications are extremely safe and effective for managing anxiety.
Aside from these measures, you may likewise opt for exercises to help you relax. Additionally, you may want to distract yourself by listening to music, granted that your dentist has also agreed to it.
Speak to an Expert Today
Dental anxiety is common, but there are many ways to overcome it. If you need assistance from a dental care provider, choose Afdent Patient Friendly Dentistry. Our dentists in Fort Wayne and Mishawaka are open to any requests to help you have a better dental experience. Call us today to book an appointment.