If you’re scared to go to the dentist, you’re not alone. Studies have shown that around 60% of people have dental anxiety to some degree.
At TLC Dental Center, Dr. Julie Kardon and her staff offer gentle, compassionate care to ease the fear of those coming in for dental work. Here are some methods for calming nerves when visiting the dentist:
1.Communicate with Your Dental Staff
Dr. Kardon and her staff have worked with many patients who suffer from dental phobia. The key is to let our dental team know that you’re nervous.
You don’t have to be embarrassed about your fear. Once we’re aware that you have dental anxiety, we will take strides to make your visit as stress-free as possible. Let us know exactly what parts of the visit make you anxious, and we’ll focus on easing your fear during your visits.
Some of our patients worry about not being able to communicate while their mouths are being worked on. For these individuals, we can establish hand signals so that you and our dentist or staff member are always on the same page throughout the procedure.
2. Focus on Your Breathing
Anxiety causes the body to tense up and breathing to quicken. The continual increase in tension and breathing rate can exacerbate anxiety-related symptoms.
While you’re in the dental chair, try focusing on your breathing. Keep breaths even and slow. Take deep breaths that allow your heart rate to lower. This will help keep your body relaxed and your anxiety in check.
3. Listen to Music or an eBook
When you listen to an eBook or music over headphones, it can help distract you from what’s going on around you. Listen to something funny or a song that makes you happy so that you’ll stay distracted and relaxed.
4. Avoid Caffeine and High Amounts of Sugar
Caffeine and sugar can increase anxiety, so they should be avoided before a dental appointment. Instead, opt for high-protein foods before the procedure.
5. Sedation Dentistry
For those with severe dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the perfect solution. Dr. Kardon is an expert at using conscious sedation to relax patients while they are in the dental chair. We can prescribe an oral sedative for patients to take the day of the appointment. This puts patients in a deeply relaxed state. Some patients get so relaxed that they don’t remember the procedure afterward. Some of our patients feel like they have even fallen asleep.
Conscious sedation dentistry is a great choice for patients who are afraid of needles since it’s administered as an oral medication. It’s also safe and effective, and it allows Dr. Kardon to continue communicating with you throughout the procedure.
Contact Our Cherry Hill Sedation Dentist
If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, contact our team at TLC Dental Center. We’ll recommend tips for reducing your anxiety and discuss the benefits of sedation dentistry. When you visit our practice, we’ll take steps to provide you with gentle care in a stress-free environment. Contact our Cherry Hill, NJ dental office today by calling 856-667-1001 to schedule an appointment.