Fear and anxiety around visiting the dentist are extremely common. Below, our Surrey dentists offer advice and tips to help you get over your dental anxiety.
Almost everyone experiences some degree of anxiety when it comes time to visit the dentist, whether it's slight unease, or full-blown panic. Dental anxiety can be the result of a wide range of issues, including a fear of needles, anxiety about invasiveness, concerns about pain, previous negative experiences, or even embarrassment over poor dental health.
Our Surrey dentists help patients manage dental anxiety on a regular basis. Over the years, they've come to understand the steps and techniques that best help people overcome their fears.
Face Your Fears
Confront your feelings and fears, and actively consider them. You may find it helps to write them down. Try to look at them more objectively to avoid blowing them out of proportion. This will help you feel better and help you explain your feelings and concerns to your dentist, too.
In turn, your dentist will be better able to address and alleviate your fears.
Communicate Your Fears to Your Dentist
It's okay to tell us you're feeling anxious about visiting us, we won't be offended or annoyed! It's completely understandable (not to mention normal) to feel anxiety during medical procedures, and that includes dentistry.
Good communication is the foundation for a good patient-dentist relationship. Tell your dentist how you are feeling right away during your first consultation. It allows the dentist to gauge your needs.
Together, you and your dentist can agree on cues and signals that you can use during treatment if you need a break or become uncomfortable.
Try Relaxation Techniques
Using relaxation techniques can help you feel more calm leading up to, or during, your dental appointments. Do some research and choose a technique that works for you. For example, some of our patients have had success with yoga and controlled breathing to help relax your muscles and slow your heartbeat.
Use Distractions
Using distraction techniques and tools can keep your mind off of what’s going on during your dental procedure. For instance, try listening to music, playing with a stress ball, counting backwards or coming up with number patterns in your head.
Ask About Dental Sedation
Our Surrey dentists offer a selection of dental sedation options for patient whose anxiety can’t be quelled through the above means.
Choose the Right Dentist for You
Choosing a dentist who takes a special interest in helping patients manage their dental anxiety can be extremely helpful. Our compassionate Surrey dentists have lots of experience helping patients feel less stressed about their dental appointments, and they take an active approach to addressing a wide range of fears on an almost daily basis.
It is our mission to help you feel comfortable and at ease with your dental treatment. Patients who feel good about their treatment will be more likely to get it in the future, which benefits their oral health!