Anxiety-Free Dentistry: Tips for a Relaxed Visit

For many people, dental appointments are not anxiety-free. They end up as more than just an occasional chore. Patients with dental anxiety often have difficulty remaining calm during appointments, with fear levels ranging from mild apprehension to extreme nervousness. While experiencing these feelings may make you feel embarrassed, know it’s more common than you think. Around 36 percent of the population experiences some degree of dental fear, with 12 percent reporting extreme fear. While it may seem hopeless, there are ways to have an anxiety-free dental experience by implementing practical tips for a relaxed visit.

Communicate Honestly

While many dentists are highly intuitive and can often tell when a patient feels nervous or scared, they’re not mind readers. One of the best things you can do if you experience dental anxiety is to communicate your fears with your Melbourne, FL dentist. With this knowledge, your provider will alter their approach to fit your unique needs for a more comfortable and relaxed experience. During the appointment, don’t hesitate to ask questions, voice your concerns, or ask your provider to explain what they’re doing.

Be Prepared

Much of the anxiety that people feel before a dental appointment is due to not knowing what to expect. While you might be familiar with a typical dental teeth cleaning, more complex procedures can be anxiety-inducing. Fortunately, you can relieve yourself by learning as much about your upcoming procedure as possible before the big day. Do some research to see what you can expect or get details directly from your dental team.

Find Distractions

Distractions are often helpful when you need to get through a tough appointment. Consider what distractions will work best for you based on your interests. For example, if you enjoy listening to music, consider bringing a pair of headphones and zoning out to a playlist of your favorite songs. You can also listen to a podcast, an audiobook, or calming sounds. If you prefer physical maneuvers as a distraction, consider a stress ball or fidget toy you can hold.

Bring a Friend

Having a close friend or family member to keep you calm when in an anxiety-driven environment can be extremely useful for many patients. A friend can serve as a distraction by speaking to you throughout your appointment. They can also provide the support you need to stay calm and relaxed. In many instances, the mere presence of this person is enough to keep mild anxiety sufferers relaxed.

Practice Mindfulness

While not right for everyone, many patients find success with mindfulness. This widespread psychological practice is typically developed through meditation and entails creating awareness of the contents of your mind in the moment. There are several ways to approach mindfulness, such as practicing deep breathing techniques and/or visualization. All of this can be done from the comfort of the dental chair.

Try Sedation

For patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety, sedation can be a valuable tool for managing high levels of fear and nervousness. Many modern dental practices now offer various forms of sedation, ranging from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to intravenous (IV) sedation, which helps you achieve a deeper level of relaxation. Speak with your dental provider to determine if sedation may be right for you based on the type of procedure and your personal needs.

Schedule Strategically

While you might not think it matters, scheduling your dental appointment can significantly affect how well you get through it. For example, you may feel less anxious in the morning after a good night’s rest, compared to after work when you feel tired and stressed. If you think your appointment will take longer than usual due to your level of anxiety, ask your provider about scheduling an appointment at the end of the day, when all other patients have left.

Get Friendly & Compassionate Care

Routine visits to the dentist can be stress-inducing when you have anxiety. At Artistic Touch Dentistry, we work hard to ensure your visit is as stress-free as possible. Call us today at 321.724.1400 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.