Choosing the right dentist is important when addressing dental anxiety. Some dentists are fully prepared to address their patients' anxiety, while others place various levels of importance on how to treat patients who experience anxiety. When the right dentist is chosen, patients are more likely to make it to their regular dental appointments, supporting their good oral health.
While most people know whether they have some level of anxiety, those who have a small case of dental anxiety may not even realize it. Common symptoms include sweating, heart palpitations, worry, fear, crying, aggression, feeling overwhelmed and an overall feeling of panic. According to WebMD, between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. This means up to one in five people may not be going to their dental appointments due to dental anxiety.
The list below includes some beneficial tips for dental patients who are currently living with dental anxiety. Those who experience any level of anxiety should not feel embarrassed, as anyone can experience this condition.
Good communication with an experienced and caring dentist is essential for patients who experience dental anxiety. By a patient letting the dentist know what types of symptoms they are experiencing, the dentist is then able to offer them advice on what they can do in order to feel less anxious before, during and even after their appointment. One example of how dentists can help patients is to show them a few hand signals they can use when undergoing treatment, allowing the patient to let them know whether they are fine or need to take a break.
Dentists can help anxious patients be comfortable by asking them questions before their dental appointment. The answers to these questions will help them accommodate the patient once it comes time for their appointment. For the most part, dentists want to know things like whether their patients have a fear of injections, if they can easily breathe through their nose, if they have a strong gag reflex, or if they are afraid to get X-rays and anything that can get in their way of being comfortable during dental treatment.
Many dental patients will benefit from learning one or more different techniques to help them relax before, during and after dental appointments. Examples of some of the more common techniques used include deep and controlled breathing, visualization and meditation. All of these techniques are proven to be effective for their ability to relax someone, it is simply a matter of dental patients figuring out which relaxation techniques are going to work best for them.
Now that you have read the above information, it is understood just how common anxiety is in dental patients. While it is understandable that many patients will put off going to a dental office because they experience so much anxiety, the above tips should help them, allowing them to make it to their necessary dental appointments.
Request an appointment here: https://chambleedental.com or call Chamblee Dental Care at (770) 238-4316 for an appointment in our Chamblee office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in Chamblee, GA.
Looking for ways to address your dental anxiety? Or maybe a family member or friend you know experiences this all-too-common problem? Communication is key for dental patients who find it difficult to go their dental appointments, as many dentists take the extra steps necessary to help their patients relax when in need of dental work.Understanding…
Dental anxiety is a lot more prevalent than most people think. Sure, it is completely normal to be somewhat anxious before going to a dentist, but it is not normal to let this anxiety prevent you from properly taking care of your teeth or getting treatments you need.If this is the case with you, then…
Our dental office knows that one of the most important visits you can ever make to our dentist office is the routine visits twice a year to ensure that your teeth stay in optimal health. We find that one of the most effective treatment options is preventive care. Thus, we provide dental care that helps…
As a dentist, we are often asked for different ways people can help boost their dental and oral health. This is a natural question, given that most people do not like spending a great deal of time at the dentist. While we definitely have a few ideas on the subject, it stands to reason that…
Tired of a broken tooth ruining your smile? Call or visit our Chamblee clinic to…
With clear braces, patients should avoid certain foods that can stain or cause the braces…
The dentist can fix a range of concerns with dental bonding, including most minor instances…
Dentures and partial dentures require denture repair as needed, depending on the stage of your…
A root canal can save your natural tooth and prevent you from needing a replacement,…
Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…
