Many Americans, anywhere between 50 to 80%, experience some level of dental anxiety. Dental anxiety can vary from minor nerves and flutters to serious anxiety attacks; for some patients the nerves can be so severe that they avoid any treatment or examination. Dental treatment is an important part of maintaining your oral health, and one that should be prioritized. Here at Westtown Dental Care, we believe that everyone should be able to have a bright healthy smile, and feel comfortable while getting it. We strive to be a space that accommodates all levels of dental nervousness; if it is within our capacity to handle, we want to work with you! This blog details some personal and professional ways to manage dental anxiety, so that you can feel secure and serene at every visit.
The most important thing when managing your dental anxiety is communication. Our dentists need to know about any concerns and treatment barriers prior to your visit to ensure your visit is effective, comfortable, and easy. If you are returning patient and a concern has developed since your last visit, give us a call at 484-887-0777 to let our front desk team know. They will note it on your patient chart so your next visit can begin with discussion and planning. If you are unable to call ahead, please let our front desk team know right after you check in so that we can alert our doctors quickly and efficiently. If you are a new patient let our receptionist know while booking your appointment the nature and severity of your nervousness. We will note it in your patient chart and on your particular appointment, so our dentists can properly plan and allot for your visit. Here at Westtown Dental Care we will work with you and your limitations. Keep in mind that we do not offer full, anesthetic sedation dentistry; if your nervousness borders on becoming a threat to your physical health, we may recommend you out to another facility. But this referral is only necessary in extreme cases.
Breathing Exercises
Prior to your time in the chair, breathing exercises are a great way to keep your nerves in check. Slow deep breathing to a four-six count (four second inhale and six second exhale) can slow the heart rate and regulate anxiety. This practice is best utilized prior to treatment, before any active procedure is being administered. Full, mobile breathing can move the head and disrupt our dentists’ work.
Noise Canceling Headphones or Ear Plugs
If the whir of the drill and medical discussion are what spike your anxiety, headphones or ear plugs can be a great way to minimize your fear. Noise canceling headphones with music you enjoy can serve as a great distraction from your treatment. Be sure to bring a sleek pair of headphones; nothing that can tangle or knock while our dentists are working. Ear plugs work similarly, dulling any sound and allowing patients to daydream and disassociate. But headphones and ear plugs may not work in all circumstances. If you are undergoing an examination or procedure that requires your constant repositioning or communication, you may need to keep one earbud out.
Stress Relieving Tools & Toys
Stress relieving tools and toys can also be a great way to outlet errant anxiety through the hands; things like stress balls, squishies, fidget spinners and cubes. Maniuplating these in your lap can be a great way to soothe and distract. As with the headphones, certain stress toys are not appropriate in the dental space. Things that make a large amount of noise could be distracting for our dentists and ones that are too large could snag while they work. Patients also must be careful not to put too much force into the fidgeting, as that can cause movement throughout the body and disrupt your dental work.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has also been cited as a major stress reliever; scents like lavender or rose serving to delight, distract, and soothe the brain. Bringing a sachet of your favorite scent, using a favorite hand cream, or wearing a strong perfume can help relax your mind and distract from the clean, sterile scent of a dental office.
Medication
In more extreme cases, if these simpler remedies don’t work, our dentists can prescribe situational anti-anxiety medications to be taken one hour prior to any appointment. This helps to dampen any nerves and anxiety at its source, providing you with a smooth and stress-free experience. If you have needed medication like this in the past for your dental treatment, be sure to communicate with our dentists about your treatment history and comfort level.
These are just a few of the ways to relieve anxiety within the dental office. If your anxiety does not lie with treatment but is instead fear of your dental condition, know that there is no shame in any state of oral health. All our dentists want to do is get your smile to a healthy, stable, state; delaying the visit will only make the problem worse. Be brave and give us a call!
As for treatment anxiety, we encourage you to try different methods and do research on your own to see what works best to soothe you in the chair. As always, express any concerns as they manifest to your dentist. We are here for you and your care!
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have any questions about managing dental anxiety or would like to book an appointment with our dentists in West Chester, PA, give us a call at 484-887-0777. Our staff are always happy to assist you!