Almost all of us have feared going to the dentist at some point in our lives. The dentist can seem akin to the bogeyman who will take all our teeth. But that is far from the truth. Dental anxiety can be debilitating when receiving the treatments we need for stained and discolored teeth, gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, etc.
Visiting the dentist annually is beneficial for you. However, if your dental anxiety is keeping you from going to the dentist regularly, here’s how you can begin to overcome the fear and feel more comfortable during your dental care treatment.
1. Reach the Clinic Early
Arriving early will help you get accustomed to the environment and the idea of the treatment. Rushing to reach your appointment will unnecessarily stress you out and add to the anxiety of the treatment. Plan to take your time and talk to the staff in the lobby or ask the nurse questions about the procedure. Give yourself the time to acclimate to the clinic environment.
2. Use Relaxing Techniques and Meditate
The dentist’s chair can make a lot of people nervous as sitting back while someone does a procedure on you can make you feel like you’re not in control. And you don’t what’s going to happen. This loss of control and fear can be unnerving. You can talk to your dentist and communicate your concerns. Today dentists offer a variety of solutions like blankets, eye-masks, headphones, and music to help you relax during your treatment. They also offer sedation to help with your anxiety.
You can also take a pill that will help you relax and induce sleep. That way, your dentist can get your treatment done while you have a half-nap. And you can ask your dentist to explain the procedure to you beforehand so you can feel more informed and in control.
3. Find The Right Dentist For You
One of the fears that keep people from going to the dentist is the embarrassment of not flossing every day or keeping up with your oral hygiene. But the longer you put it off, the more it will continue to get worse. A good dentist will never lecture you about the upkeep but always counsel you on good practices. So find a dentist who you feel comfortable going to for your dental treatments. We take pride in giving you your smile back with our dental treatment services at West Hill Smiles.
4. Bring A Friend With You
You can ask a friend or a family member you feel comfortable with to come with you to the appointment. Having a supporting person beside you or waiting in the lobby can set your mind at ease and help you feel more relaxed
Visits to the dentist can be daunting, especially if suffering from severe dental anxiety. At West Hill Smiles, we can help you feel more comfortable during your visits and ensure that you get the help that you need. Call us now to book your appointment with one of the best dentists near West Hills or visit our website for more information.