Do you feel nervous about your upcoming dentist appointment? You are not alone – approximately 30% of dental patients suffer from anxiety related to pending dental work. But this fear can negatively impact your experience at the dentist’s office.
You can ask your dentist for advice about combatting this dental fear, but you can also make strides in staying relaxed on your own. Dr. Ben Ahlbrecht, a dentist located in Indianapolis, IN, outlines three methods that will help you remain calm during your next dental appointment.
3 Ways to Feel Comfortable at the Dentist’s Office
Practice Mindfulness Before Your Appointment
If you recognize that you feel nervous ahead of your dentist appointment, you can begin to practice mindfulness exercises before you arrive at the office. You can choose whatever methods feel soothing and comforting to you.
Some people find deep breathing relaxing, and they can carry this calm energy with them to their appointment. If you would like to listen to music during your dental procedure, you can bring your music player and headphones with you to maintain the ease you feel in the dental chair.
Ask Questions About Your Treatment
Your dentist can help you combat your dental fear, but you must first let them know how you are feeling. Be honest about your anxiety regarding your dental work, and your dentist can work with you to alleviate your tension.
A family dental practice will have experience with keeping kids calm and comfortable during their dentist appointment. This patient comfort prioritization applies to adult patients too.
Do not hesitate to ask your dental professional questions about your treatment or about ways to stay relaxed. They can maintain open communication with you throughout the process to ensure you are both knowledgeable and at ease.
Consider Sedation Dentistry Options
Dental professionals have developed a medication that will aid patients in relaxing during their dental treatment, which is called sedation dentistry. The type of sedation that your dentist will recommend will depend on your preferred level of awareness and administration.
You may choose to breathe nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, during your dental work. This will induce a calming effect without impacting your consciousness. The sensation will fade when you breathe normally again after your procedure.
Before your dentist appointment, you may receive an oral sedation, which is a tablet taken prior to your arrival at the office. You might remain conscious or fall asleep, depending on your dosage. Dentists usually reserve general anesthesia, an IV medication that puts a patient to sleep, for cases of extreme dental fear.
Sedation Dentistry Available in Indianapolis
North Meridian Dental Excellence provides sedation dentistry along with general dental treatments for patients in Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Ahlbrecht also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement solutions, for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation or appointment with our practice, contact our staff by phone at 317.204.7134 or reach our office online.