Seeing your dentist regularly is more than essential to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, many patients have dental anxiety, which is an indescribable fear of appointments. Some people just fear certain treatments and procedures, often because they have heard horror stories from others. In this guide, we are discussing some simple things to deal with dental anxiety and fear.
Choose a reputed & experienced dentist
A good dentist Kirkwood highway Delaware, can make you feel comfortable, answer your questions, and give you a better overview of the treatment, which can put you at ease. It is always better to communicate and talk about your fears and concerns with your dentist rather than pushing the appointments. Also, if the clinic has friendly staff, you will feel more confident from the moment you step in.
Go for breathing exercises
We all know that deep breathing is a great way to deal with stress and anxiety, and dental fear is no different. Try controlling your breathing – take a deep breath through your nose, hold it on for a few seconds, and exhale from the mouth. You can even keep a count – Count until 7 as you breathe, hold on for the count of 7, and exhale at the count of 8 or 9.
Distract yourself
If you have dental anxiety, you can ask your dentist to switch on the TV so that you can focus on the visuals rather than what the dentist is doing. For kids and many adults, this approach works wonders. Many people also prefer to wear headphones and listen to their favorite music during treatments.
Try progressive muscle relaxation
Many psychologists recommend progressive muscle relaxation to help deal with anxiety. The process is simple. You just need to tense the muscles of your face or arms for a few seconds, hold the position, and gently relax as you exhale. The conscious attention to the tensed muscled and subsequent relaxation comes in handy to counter dental fear.
Consider imagining
When you sit in that dentist’s chair, assume you are on a beach or mountain. You can choose the kind of space you really want or have been in before and let the feelings take over. It is a great way to calm the mind and keep thoughts and anxiety away. 
Ask for other options
Your dentist may help by providing nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. You breathe the gas before and during the procedure, which can help you relax and feel more peaceful. Insurance plans may or may not cover the cost of nitrous oxide, and it is best to ask in advance.
Medications can help
Your dentist may recommend a short-acting medication that can reduce anxiety and fear before surgery or a major procedure. Such anxiety medications are usually safe, but it is important for the dentist to consider your medical history and existing conditions. You must take the prescribed drug an hour before the appointment.
Discuss sedation
If you have severe anxiety, your dentist can also recommend sedation. This is not general anesthesia, which means you will not be knocked off during the procedure, but the medication will keep you responsive. You will feel a relaxed sense of peace for at least a few hours.
Ask about general anesthesia
For many cases where the patient cannot benefit from other options, general anesthesia may be considered. However, this is rarely needed except for complex surgeries that require hospitalization.
If you talk to your dentist on Kirkwood highway, you have less to worry about a treatment or procedure. Ask questions and get a better view of what to expect, which will help tackle feelings of fear.
