The time has come for your next dental cleaning and exam, but you’re feeling a little anxious. Take comfort in the fact that you are not alone in your worries. You may (or may not) be surprised to learn that dental fears and anxieties are actually quite common.
Many people, including adults, are nervous when it comes to the potential for discomfort during dental treatment. Maybe it’s a sinking feeling of helplessness or even embarrassment. Some people even avoid going to the dentist altogether, until they’re in a lot of toothache pain so that it can’t be avoided any longer.
Luckily, there are effective ways for you and your dentist to work together to overcome nervousness, helping you avoid only seeking care when in massive pain. You can get timely treatment with routine checkups and exams with dental X-rays so that dental problems are spotted early when they are least invasive, easier and economically treated. It’s so much easier to nip a problem in the bud than to resort to more drastic solutions that could have been avoided. For example, treating a cavity early before you need a dental crown, or treating gum disease with scaling and root planing!
The good news is, we have six powerful secrets to help you overcome those debilitating dental fears and it’s really quite simple!
1. Tell your dentist about your fears right away.
From your very first phone call to scheduling your reservation, it’s best to be honest and upfront with the dental team about your fears. That way, exceptional dentists can then meet your dental needs while helping you feel comfortable before and during treatment. To help you, dentists offer a comfort menu to all patients, ensuring you get the relaxing experience you need (and deserve).
2. Go to your first dental visit with someone you trust.
This is actually really helpful. If you are new to dental practices, why not bring a close relative or a friend who doesn’t have any dental fears with you to your first visit? Having them there while dentists welcome you can really help put you at ease right from the get-go!
3. Establish a signal with your dentist and team in advance.
Dental professionals have the patients raise their left hands. This lets him know if they are feeling hesitant or uncomfortable during treatment and would like to stop for just a moment. Having this signal can give you the opportunity you need just to rinse or even catch a much-needed breath that can help calm you for the remainder of your treatment.
4. Seek a fun distraction while resting in the dental chair.
Why not listen to some awesome tunes with headphones during your treatment? New music you haven’t heard before is best because it helps you feel more interested and focused on it. The dental team provide Bose headphones and iPods for your convenience to use during your time in the chair. If you prefer, you can also watch Netflix on movie glasses for a pleasant distraction.
5. Try relaxation techniques that help calm you.
Controlled breathing may also be helpful. Just take a deep breath, hold it, and release it slowly. Another calming technique is called progressive muscle relaxation. Simply tense and relax different muscle groups one at a time and see how you feel.
6. Use NuCalm Relaxation system to feel at ease.
NuCalm™ is a safe, proven neuroscience technology that quickly and naturally relaxes you. It leverages biochemistry, neurophysiology, and physics to ease your mind and body into a state of recovering, healing, and rebuilding.
It also uses four components that work together to bring your body to a deep state of calm. It only takes about 3 minutes to get started, and you will feel the relaxation effects in just 3-5 minutes.
NuCalm™ is unique because it creates deep relaxation without using narcotics or controlled substances, causes no side effects, and requires no recuperative time or supervision.
