Tips To Help Overcome Dental Anxiety

If you have a pit in your stomach about visiting the dentist, you are not alone. A reported 36 percent of people experience dental anxiety, and another 12 percent suffer extreme worry. Images of drills, needles, and painful procedures are common reasons why everyday people become fearful and procrastinate about scheduling appointments. Not getting regular checkups and cleanings can result in tooth decay and dental surgery Melbourne residents could have avoided.

At Sedaros Oral Facial Surgery, we want our community members to enjoy beautiful smiles. We work with people who struggle with dental anxiety on a regular basis and hope these tips will help you overcome this obstacle before you develop a significant dental condition.

How To Face Your Fears & Overcome Dental Anxiety

Experts often say that you have to face your fears to overcome them, and dental anxiety is no different. The idea that dental procedures are painful is simply no longer factually correct. As a leading dental surgeon Melbourne residents rely on for treatment and care, we employ the latest technologies and numbing treatments to ensure our patients enjoy a positive experience. Overcoming that idea, however, may require scheduling an office visit and following through. But before you can face that fear, these are some techniques that may help manage dental anxiety before you arrive.

Techniques to Calm Dental Anxiety

Share Your Anxiety: If you are one of the many people who struggle with anxiety, share this information with our dentist and dental staff. We will confidentially support your efforts to stay on track with routine visits and do everything possible to make you feel comfortable.
Focus on Breathing: When experiencing feelings of anxiety, place your attention on breathing. Try to take deep breaths and then release. This type of refocusing helps reduce worry and increases healthy oxygen levels.
Employ Distractions: It’s essential to understand that negative thoughts drive dental anxiety. Listening to favorite songs or binge-watching a series the night before and an appointment can provide a pleasant distraction. The point is to take your mind off what ails you and to keep the appointment.
Choose A Good Time: Take a moment and consider a low-stress time and day to schedule an appointment. Some of us are more relaxed early in the morning before work-stress consumes us. Others may feel better about an after-work appointment. Take an emotional inventory before scheduling your next visit.
Eating Habits: There are physiological triggers that can be avoided by watching your diet before a visit to the dentist. Anxiety sufferers would be wise to stay away from sugary foods and caffeinated beverages. A solid protein meal may produce a calming effect.
Discuss A Safe Signal: Before reclining in the chair, it may help to talk about a hand gesture to signal the dentist if you feel uncomfortable. We understand you are experiencing genuine feelings and will work with you every step of the way.

If you haven’t been to a dentist in a long time, consider asking community members about their experiences. It’s essential that you foster feelings that you will be able to negotiate your first return visit and build confidence for the future.

Ask Question About The Process To Gain Confidence

The key to developing the trust required to negotiate a first and subsequent visit is open communication. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about how the appointment will unfold. If you are concerned about equipment or procedures, it’s not out of the question to talk about them step by step. It may be worth asking for a tour of an unoccupied room and have someone explain each device. One of the top concerns is typically discomfort. That discussion is certainly on the table, and you will be able to make informed decisions when it’s done.

Contact An Oral Surgeon Melbourne FL Residents Trust

Dr. Sedaros is an oral surgeon Melbourne, FL community members have learned to trust. Our professional team routinely works with people with debilitating issues that would otherwise prevent them from enjoying quality dental health and wellness. If you are one of the millions of Americans dealing with dental anxiety, call our Melbourne office at 321-610-7868 for a consultation. Contact us today!