Dental anxiety is very common, it’s highly likely that someone you know suffers from it, so what can be done?
There are a few different techniques that can be implemented for those wanting to make life a little bit easier, today we’re going into all the things you can do.
What is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is different from dental phobia and the two should not be confused. Today we’re focusing on dental anxiety which is much easier and more accessible to treat than dental phobia.
What’s the difference between a phobia and anxiety?
A phobia is defined as being an excessive and constant fear of a thing, object or situation whereas an anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or worry but not to the point where you’d stop yourself from going. Anxiety of course can be uncomfortable for those suffering, but it’s not totally debilitating.
If you think you’re suffering with a phobia then it’s always best to consult a medical professional to work alongside your dentist Coorparoo in tackling your concerns. This can be a tricky process and can often involve patients considering lots of different avenues of treatment.
If you’re able to get yourself to the dentist, but just have lots of difficulty doing so it might well mean you’re experiencing anxiety and there are some practical things you can do in order to help this.
Top tips for alleviating dental anxiety
Don’t push yourself too hard. It’s always a good idea to visit your dental practice prior to any treatments, this will give you a chance to make yourself familiar with your new surroundings. New experiences naturally make humans feel on edge and you can easily take some heat off yourself by making your first trip really chilled in terms of finding locations, parking, and knowing the staff.
Don’t book a late appointment. There’s absolutely no need for you to spend all day worrying about your dental appointment, book an early morning slot with your dentist, to avoid over-thinking throughout the day.
Don’t leave it until it’s too late. It’s far more stressful to go to the dentist when you have pain and discomfort going on, because you’re naturally going to be more apprehensive about the outcome. If you can get yourself in the chair for a check-up you’re going to have a far more relaxed first experience which is what you want.
Take a loved one. You’re never too old to have support around you and having a familiar face in the room can be really good at helping us feel more relaxed and the more relaxed you are, the less likely it is for you to have an uncomfortable experience.
Distractions help, for lots of people having a distraction is a really good tool to use. You can either use headphones, eye masks, or stress balls to keep your mind off what’s going on. Sometimes just having a way to help your mind drift off makes a massive difference and is well worth the investment.
For more information on dental anxiety head over to these online resources.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.