Anxiety and fear around visiting the dentist are very common. Our Surrey dentists offer advice and tips to help you manage your dental anxiety.
The vast majority of people experience some degree of anxiety when it comes to dental appointments, whether it has to do with a fear of needles, anxiety about a feeling of invasiveness and loss of control, concerns about pain, previous negative experiences, or even embarrassment over poor dental health.
Our Surrey dentists regularly help our patients deal with varying degrees and types of dental anxiety, and over the years they’ve discovered the steps and techniques that help the most in quelling their fears.
Face Your Fears
Confronting your fears, and actively consider them, can go a long way in conquering them. It can to write them down in a list, so as to look at them more objectively. this exercise can also help you explain your feelings and concerns to your dentist, too.
In turn, this will help your dentist better address and alleviate your fears.
Communicate Your Fears to Your Dentist
No worries, we won’t be offended! It’s perfectly normal to feel anxiety about a medical procedure, and that includes dentistry, too. We understand, and we want you to talk to us about it!
Good communication is the key to a good patient-dentist relationship. Tell your dentist how you’re feeling frankly and honestly, ideally during your initial consultation. This will give the dentist the opportunity to better gauge your needs and develop a treatment plan that suits your needs.
Together, you and your dentist can agree on cues and signals that you can use during treatment if you need a break.
Try Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques can help you feel more relaxed leading up to and during your dental appointment. Try things like yoga or controlled breathing to help relax your muscles and slow your heartbeat if you're feeling stressed.
Use Distractions
Distraction techniques and tools can be very helpful in keeping your mind off of what’s going on during your dental procedure. Some options include listening to music, playing with a stress ball, counting to yourself or coming up with number patterns in your head.
Choose the Right Dentist for You
Finding a dentist who takes a special interest in helping patients with dental anxiety can be really help. Our Delta and Delta dentists know exactly how best to help patients with dental anxieties, and they take an active approach to addressing a wide range of fears on an almost daily basis.
We consider it our mission to help you feel comfortable and at ease with your dental treatment. After all, patients who feel good about their treatment will be more likely to get it, to the benefit of their oral health!