Unfortunately, many people tend to skip out on their routine dental visits due to some type of anxiety or fear. Even the idea of scheduling a dental appointment can cause anxiety, let alone going into the actual office and sitting in a chair surrounded by dental equipment. If this is you, know that you’re not alone. The majority of people have some sort of negative feelings towards visiting the dentist, and if you’re one of the ones who does not get phased, consider yourself lucky. At Luxe Dental Spa, we understand that not everyone loves the dentist, but we want to make sure that your visit is as comfortable as possible. If you struggle with fear and anxiety surrounding dental procedures, here are a few tips and tricks that can help you overcome these!
Speak Up
Don’t be afraid to speak up about your dislike towards visiting the dentist; we promise we won’t be offended. In fact, we encourage you to vocalize all the concerns that you might have. When we know that you may be feeling a bit uneasy about your visit, there are things that we can do that might help. When we’re aware of any fears, especially the fear that the procedure is going to hurt, we can try and be a bit more gentle. We can also talk you through the procedure so that you know what you’re getting into and can ask any questions that might be going through your head.
It also may be a good idea to speak with your dentist about coming up with a potential signal if you need to take a break. Just a simple raise of a hand can let your dentist know that you may need to take a few minutes before continuing on with the procedure.
Drown Out The Noise
We can all agree that the sound of a dental drill could send even the bravest person running in the opposite direction. And while not every dental procedure involves a drill, the sounds that some of those dental tools make are not the most comforting. If you find yourself tensing up when hearing the various noises, try bringing in a pair of headphones and listening to your favorite music. Podcasts are also a great option that can help take your mind off what’s actually going on around you, and help drown out the noise. Most dentists will be totally fine with this idea, but make sure that you ask first in case they need to be talking to you.
Find A Dentist You Trust
Just because you have to go to the dentist doesn’t mean that you should choose just any dentist. If you struggle with any anxiety or fear, don’t just settle and get your procedure taken care of quickly. Shop around and find a dentist who you trust and feel comfortable with. This might take some time, but we promise that your overall experience will be multitudes better. We also encourage you to trust your gut: if you walk into an office that just doesn’t feel right, it’s going to fuel your fears even more. Ask dental clinics how they cater to patients with fears towards visiting the dentist and make your decision from there.
At Luxe Dental Spa, we understand that your fears about dental procedures are extremely valid and we want to help in anyway we can. All of our dentists and staff are here to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible when visiting us. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you conquer your fears, one visit at a time!