Dental anxiety is an all-too-common phenomenon for many people. Sometimes this is due to prior bad experiences, perhaps due to the physical discomfort of cavity fillings or root canals. Still others have anxiety because they are afraid of being judged by their dentist for their oral hygiene routine (or lack thereof).
This is a very normal thing to experience before your appointment. But the right dentist in Boynton Beach can help alleviate that anxiety in a variety of ways, from relaxation techniques to education and knowledge of what to expect.
If you’re someone who experiences anxiety before your next cleaning, keep reading. Eriks Dental Group, a well-loved family dentist in Boynton Beach, can help you manage it.
Combatting Anxiety At The Dentist
Anxiety is very common, but it doesn’t have to keep you from seeing the dentist. In fact, keeping your regular teeth cleaning appointments is key to a very low-stress experience because your teeth and gums are likely to be healthy. The healthier your mouth, the fewer interventions and treatments you’ll need.
It’s true that cavities or root canals – everyone’s worst nightmare – can be uncomfortable. But the good news is that those procedures are highly preventable by establishing proper oral care.
That said, anxiety can still happen. Fortunately, you can alleviate it in the following ways:
Keep Communication Open With Your Dentist
The benefit of a family dentist in Boynton Beach is that you establish a relationship with them, from the first baby teeth to the first set of dentures as an aged adult. That means, over time, you will feel comfortable and more relaxed with someone you know has your best interest at heart.
Your dentist should be happy to explain to you what is going to happen before it happens, so you can know what to expect ahead of time. There should be no surprises at your appointment.
Try Some Relaxation Techniques
Being relaxed and calm can go a long way toward relieving anxious feelings. What people find relaxing can vary: petting a dog or cat, going on walks, exercising, or listening to music are all good ideas. You can also try some deep breathing exercises, where you count to five as you draw in breath through the nose, and then count to five again as you exhale slowly through the mouth.
Perhaps having something fun to look forward to after the appointment can help: a trip to a favorite restaurant or a small treat from a favorite store can also help.
Find A Supportive Environment
Support and encouragement from “your people” can help reduce anxious feelings. Talk to a friend or family member before or after your appointment (or both!). Maybe you could consider bringing that supportive person with you to your appointment. They can tell you jokes or hold your hand during your cleaning if you might find that helpful.
Remember that your ideal dentist in Boynton Beach should have a supportive, encouraging staff who want you to feel calm and relaxed during your appointment as well. It’s okay to mention your anxiety to them before your appointment: they’ll know how to help.
Knowledge Is Power
Education is perhaps the most powerful tool in the arsenal of anxiety management. So often, people fear what they don’t understand. By asking the right questions and researching the procedure you’re about to have done, you can feel more confident in knowing what to expect.
Your dentist will also be happy to explain how your procedure works, why it’s important, and what you can do at home to maintain good oral hygiene.
Talk About A Pain Management Plan
Pain and discomfort are the main reasons that people have anxiety about going to the dentist. Cleanings for healthy teeth and gums shouldn’t hurt. If you know ahead of time that your appointment may be uncomfortable – perhaps you need a filling for a cavity – there are ways to reduce pain and keep you comfortable.
Depending on the procedure you need, topical and local anesthesia are options. Topical anesthesia is a numbing gel that lasts briefly, while local anesthesia is administered with a very thin needle that provides pain relief that can last for hours.
Your dentist might also recommend additional techniques to reduce pain and swelling after your appointment, such as oral rinses, ice packs, and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Consider Sedation Dentistry
You may have exhausted all of the above techniques, and still experience debilitating anxiety before and during your dental appointment. If that’s the case, sedation dentistry is an option. It’s not to be confused with anesthesia, where a patient may be unconscious. Instead, sedation keeps patients awake and responsive, but more comfortable and relaxed.
Patients with low thresholds for pain and discomfort should discuss this option with their dentist, particularly for long or complex procedures.
Find A Family Dentist In Boynton Beach
Many people (mistakenly) believe that dentists are sadists who enjoy causing discomfort in their patients, but nothing could be further from the truth. Your family dentist in Boynton Beach wants you to feel calm and relaxed during your appointment. At Eriks Dental Group, we greatly value our patients, and cherish the relationships we develop with them over the years. If there’s anything at all that can help make your appointment more stress-free, please let us know!
Maintaining regular teeth cleanings is crucial for healthy teeth and gums, which goes a long way toward alleviating anxiety about needing more invasive procedures. Schedule yours today by calling 561-733-4004.