Anxious about your dental visits? What you can do to relax.

Anxious about your dental visits? What you can do to relax.

What is the number one thing you can do to alleviate dental anxiety?  Communicate your feelings with your dentist and the dental team.  The key to coping with dental anxiety is to discuss your fears with your dentist. Once your dentist knows what your fears are they will be able to determine the best way to help reduce your anxiety and make you more comfortable.

What causes dental anxiety?

There are many reasons people have dental anxiety. Common fears include:

Fear of pain.  Fear of pain is very common in avoiding the dentist.  This fear may stem from previous dental experiences that were unpleasant. There have been many advances in dentistry to reduce discomfort.  Most procedures in today’s modern dental office are pain free or considerably less painful.

Fear of injections.  Many people are terrified of needles. With many people the fear is even more so related to the mouth.  Other fear includes fear that anesthesia won’t work or hasn’t taken effect.  Many advancements have been made in techniques and new devices to reduce fear and comfort during injections.

Feelings of embarrassment, helplessness and loss of control.  It is common to feel these emotions.  Many people feel uncomfortable with invasion of personal space.  Others may feel self conscious about their appearance during and after the procedure.  If the dentist understands this fear there are many ways they can relieve this fear and reduce anxiety.

Tips for dealing with anxiety.

Relax before your visit.  It’s easy to say but challenging to do.  There are many techniques to help you relax and take your mind off your fear and reduce anxiety.  Simple things like a good night’s sleep and staying occupied with your normal daily routine can help.

Breathe.  It’s normal to hold your breath when you feel anxious.  Instead try to relax and breath slowly, taking deep relaxing breaths.

Close your eyes.  Closing your eyes will help avoid distraction or seeing dental equipment that can increase your anxiety and make you more fearful.

Listen to music.  Music, audio books and relaxation programs can help take your mind away from what is going on.

Reduce your tension and let go.  Clenching your hands and your feet won’t ease tension.  Try to relax the muscles in your body.  Be conscious of your body posture and tense muscles and let go.  Concentrate on experience s that are pleasant.

Take someone with you.  Have a friend or family member come with you to your appointment.  They can help you relax and be there for support.

Get Sedated.  If you still are anxious discuss different forms of sedation or relaxation medication with your dentist.  Sometimes some mild anti-anxiety medication may be all you need to relax during a procedure.

Rest assured the dental team at Drs. Lerner and Lemongello’s office is available to ensure your comfort and safety and are available to answer any of your concerns.  So whether it is for a dental check up, a simple tooth restoration, a smile makeover, dental implants, or complete mouth restorations our team is ready to help you achieve the smile you deserve and the dental heath you want.

Get the beautiful smile you have always dreamed of, make an appointment today! Contact Drs. Lerner and Lemongello for an appointment and information on all dental procedures at 561-627-9000.  Visit our website at  www.lernerlemongello.com and view our “Smile Gallery” for examples of some of South Florida’s most beautiful smiles.

 Drs. Lerner and Lemongello also proudly serve Stuart, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, Palm Beach, Boca Raton

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