There are a lot of things that can make people anxious, and they can be different from person to person. Some people deal with anxiety on a daily basis while others face this problem only during certain events. It is common for patients to have anxiety when going to the doctor, dentist, or orthodontist. It can be a frightful experience because there is the fear of pain, discomfort, the unknown, or other factors. Dental anxiety can come in different form as well ranging from rapid heartbeats, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, irritability, anger, or strong emotions such as crying. If you have dental anxiety, here are some tips to remember for your trip to your orthodontist or dentist appointment.
One step that can make your experience at the office more pleasurable and less stressful is to have open communication. Let the dentist and their assistants know that you are feeling anxious about the appointment. Talking about the way you feel may make you feel instantly better about the appointment. It will also let the person who is working on your teeth know not to be too aggressive, to ask often how you are doing, and to take breaks when necessary.
Another way to deal with anxiety is to bring a comfort item. This may mean that you wear pajamas or other comfortable clothing to our appointment. Don’t be embarrassed by bringing in a stuffed animal or one of your favorite blankets even if you are an adult or a child. Being comfortable can make the fear of the unknown less of an anxious factor for you. A lot of dentists’ offices have blankets, and if one is offered to you happily accept the offer. It can be especially comforting for small children to hold a stuffed animal or a toy.
A common practice for dealing with anxiety is steady breathing. If you have time before your appointment you can do some yoga exercises or other relaxing breathing techniques. Steady breathing or doing yoga will also be helpful after your appointment to calm you down. Take a deep breath in and breathe out slowly while you are in the chair waiting to see your orthodontist or dentist. If you need help breathing during your appointment you may need to wear an oxygen apparatus that goes over your nose. Don’t be afraid to ask for something during your appointment because the office will be likely to accommodate your needs.
The dental industry has come a long way with the technology used in procedures. It may be in your best interest to find an orthodontist or dentist that uses laser dentistry in their practice. Ask the office staff if dental laser tools are used in their practice. Laser tools cause minimal amounts of pain and offer speedy recovery times. Knowing this before going in for a procedure can lessen the anxiety that you normally feel. Pain and discomfort are common triggers for feelings of anxiousness and stress.
There are easy ways to deal with dental anxiety, and you don’t have to let it overcome your fears of going to the dentist. Remember to have open communication, be comfortable, breath normally, and talk to your dentist about the tools and procedures used for your appointment. Having dental anxiety can become a thing of the past for you.
About the Author: Bob Cobley is the President of Spectrum Lasers Inc. Spectrum manufactures and has marketed dental laser internationally since 1998. Approx 2000 GPs and 1200 orthodontists have purchased laser periodontal from him. For more information visit http://www.spectralasedental.com.