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Dental anxiety is extremely common among Americans. Between 50% and 80% of people have some level of anxiety about dentistry, and 20% of people say that dental anxiety prevents them from getting the care they need.
If you suffer from dental anxiety in Gilbert and you’ve been avoiding dental care, we understand. But it is possible to get the treatment you need at New Horizon Institute without fear, anxiety, and stress. Here are a few of our top tips on how to help reduce dental anxiety.
It’s important to work with a dentist and a dental team that understands dental anxiety and is willing to make accommodations to help you feel more safe and comfortable. You should feel like you’re in a relaxing, safe, and judgment-free zone.
Your dentist should be willing to discuss the causes of your anxiety, triggers, and other information at your initial comprehensive appointment. This allows them to deliver more personalized care that’s mindful of your anxiety.
Bringing someone with you to the office during your appointment can be a great source of comfort, especially if it’s a close friend, relative, or other loved one. They can wait with you before your appointment to help you feel more comfortable, and may even be able to stay with you during your dental exam or other procedure.
Some dental offices offer blankets, headphones, Netflix on TVs, and other amenities, so this is a great thing to look for when choosing a dentist. Of course, you can bring your own, too. Taking steps to make yourself feel comfortable and to distract yourself during your procedure is always helpful.
You also should make sure you leave plenty of time in your schedule before and after your appointment. That way, you won’t feel rushed, stressed, or obligated to get back to your daily routine immediately after your treatment.
Simple breathing exercises are surprisingly effective at combating dental anxiety. Deep breathing, for example, helps reduce hyperventilation, which can lead to feelings of heightened stress and anxiety. Breathe slowly and deeply, breathing in slowly through your nose and exhaling fully through your mouth.
If you have dental anxiety, sedation dentistry at New Horizon Institute may be right for you. We offer both oral conscious (pill-based) sedation and IV (needle-based) sedation. Both methods of sedation make you groggy and may cause you to sleep through or even forget what happens during your procedure. If you’re really nervous about dental care or you just want to make sure you stay as comfortable as possible during your treatment, sedation dentistry may be right for you.
At New Horizon Institute, our dental team treats patients from all walks of life. Even if you have severe dental anxiety, we’re here to provide you with the expert dental care you need for a healthy mouth. You can contact New Horizon Institute online for more information, or give us a call at (480) 664-2270 to get in touch with our team and learn more about our approach to treating patients with dental anxiety.
