Do you get anxious at the thought of visiting the orthodontist? You’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common fear that can keep people from receiving necessary oral care. However, avoiding dental checkups and procedures can lead to bigger problems down the line. That’s why we have compiled some tips to help conquer your dental anxiety and make your next appointment a breeze! From relaxation techniques to communication with our staff we’ve got you covered. So sit back, take a deep breath, and read on for our expert advice.
Introduction to Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is a common phobia that affects millions of people. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including a bad experience at the dentist, a fear of needles or pain, or a general fear of the unknown. Dental anxiety can lead to avoidance of routine dental care, which can in turn lead to more serious dental problems down the road.
Tips To Overcome Dental Anxiety
We have put together some tips to help you conquer your dental anxiety.
- Talk to us about your concerns: The first step in conquering your dental anxiety is to communicate your concerns to us. We want to know what makes you anxious and what we can do to help put you at ease.
- Distract yourself during treatment: If possible, try to distract yourself during treatment. Bring along a book or listen to music through headphones. Focusing on something else can help take your mind off of the procedure.
- Breathe: It sounds simple, but deep breathing can help to calm nerves and ease anxiety. Take some deep breaths before your appointment and during treatment if you start to feel anxious.
- Use relaxation techniques: There are a number of relaxation techniques that can be helpful in managing dental anxiety. Try progressive muscle relaxation or visualization prior to your appointment.
- Ask about sedation dentistry: If other methods of managing anxiety are not effective, sedation dentistry may be an option for you. This involves taking medication prior to treatment that will help you relax during your appointment.
Conclusion
At Emerick Orthodontics, we understand the challenges of living with dental anxiety. We also know that conquering your fear is possible with the right support and treatment plan. We hope these tips have provided you with the knowledge and tools to help you ease your anxiety. If, after trying all of our suggestions, it still feels like a struggle for you to visit the orthodontist, please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us here at Emerick Orthodontics. Our team is always here to provide support and answer any questions that you may have about controlling dental anxiety. We proudly serve the Carmel, Westfield & Zionsville areas.