How many times have you heard people say that sitting in a dental chair is one of the scariest things they can imagine? Dental anxiety can sometimes prevent even the most fearless among us from getting the treatment we need to maintain those pearly whites!
The next time you are tempted to put off your scheduled dental cleaning, or ignore a chipped or broken tooth, take some time to reach into your bag of tricks to make this visit least stressful ever.
Alert the dental staff before you come in that you are anxious about your visit. They can give the dentist or your hygienist a head’s up to help make your trip as stress-free as possible. There are things they can do to help you relax. Proper sedation is the key and knowing that the staff is on your side will go a long way to staving off fears.
If you open up about your concerns, your dentist can explain the procedure beforehand so you can know what is coming next. You may arrange a “stop” signal, such as raising your hand to let your team know that you need to take a break. This will allow you to catch your breath, rinse your mouth, or tell them if something is hurting.
You can also help your team by practicing calming techniques during the procedure. Taking slow deep breaths help the muscles to relax. Visualizing yourself on a sandy beach or pine-scented forest can distract you from your surroundings. And listening to your favorite music through your ear buds can soothe tense nerves.
It can also be reassuring to have a trusted friend or relative with you at the time of your visit. Just knowing you are not alone can help you find peace during your stay.
We invite you to let us know how we can help your next visit with us be as anxiety-free as possible. Please contact our office at 615-889-8202 if there is anything we can do to help give you smiles for a lifetime!