At Clear Dental here in Richmond, we strive to provide compassionate, gentle care in a relaxed environment, but we understand that visiting the dentist is not something everyone looks forward to. Some patients, however, may experience extreme anxiety and feelings of fear or dread about going to the dentist. If you have anxiety about going to the dentist, know that you aren’t alone and that your anxiety is a manageable problem. Below you will find some tips to help you feel more comfortable in the dentist’s chair.
Communicate with your dentist about your anxiety
If you are feeling anxious, it’s best to let your dentist know before your treatment starts. In some cases, simply talking over your fears and gaining clarity on what the procedure entails can help calm the nerves. For more severe cases of dental anxiety, an oral medication may be given prior to the appointment. The medication works best when taken up to half an hour before the procedure. If you wait until you’re in the middle of your procedure to let the dentist know that you are having anxiety, it will be too late to administer the medication.
Do some research
Often times, patients are nervous about going to the dentist because they aren’t sure what to expect. Knowing what the procedure entails, how long it will take and what pain remedies will be used can help a patient feel more at ease. We have descriptions of the procedures that we commonly perform available on our website. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to bring them up with our team before your appointment.
Use stress management techniques
Some patients like to listen to calming music during their treatment. Some patients find deep breathing or aromatherapy to be helpful. Having a familiar object near, such as a favorite pillow or blanket can also help. Let us know what stress management techniques work for you, and we will do the best we can to accommodate you.
