If you are struggling with dentophobia or dental anxiety, you may not be as willing to visit the dentist as you need to be. Fear of the dentist is somewhat of a common problem. Yet, when it becomes so much that you cannot get the oral health care you need, it can set you up for oral health problems. Our team at Lovett Dental Missouri City can provide you with the help you need. Call us today at [Direct] for more information about your treatment options.
You Can Overcome Dentophobia
If you’re experiencing a fear of the dentist, there are several things you can do to work on it. Overcoming it isn’t easy, but with a few tips, dental anxiety can be more controllable.
1. Choose the Right Provider
One way to overcome dentophobia is to choose sedation dentistry. In our office, we can provide you with sedation to take some of the process’s pressure. You will feel more at ease and less discomfort. Sedation dentistry is an excellent way to ease into that first appointment.
2. Tell Your Provider About Your Dental Anxiety
Another important step is to communicate with your dental team that you have dentophobia. By telling them this, they will provide you with more support throughout your visit. They may even offer tips to relax.
3. Try to Visualize Good Things
During your appointment, try to visualize something other than what is happening. Pick a spot on the wall to focus on during your appointment. Then, you can think about something that helps you to relax, such as nature or a smiling friend. Imagine that person in that spot.
4. Choose the Right Time to Visit
Choose a slower time to visit the dentist. When there are fewer people at the location, you may feel a bit more at ease because you’ll see less commotion and fewer things happening around you. You also will hear fewer procedures or tools being used. That can help to reduce some of your dental anxiety as well.
5. Try Noise-Canceling Headphones
Bring a pair of earbuds with you. If you are afraid of the sounds at the dentist’s office, try listening to music to cancel out that sound. It is a good idea to ask your dentist if this is okay with them. During some procedures, you may need to respond to them. If it is okay, listen to some music you enjoy.
6. Don’t Go Alone
When you have dentophobia, feeling as though you are out of control is a big part of the problem. Realistically, you know nothing can go wrong, of course, but having someone with you may ease your fears.
7. Breathe Deeply
Practice deep breathing exercises right before your procedure or appointment. That will help to settle your heart rate and calm your mind. If you need to, ask for a moment during your procedure to feel better.
8. Know What’s Happening
Sometimes the unknown is the most problematic. Our team will always tell what is happening before your procedure, and as we do it. That way, you don’t have to feel on edge.
We Offer Sedation Dentistry
If you have dentophobia, let us know. We can offer sedation dentistry services to you for many of the appointments we offer, including:
- Root canal procedures
- Dental cleaning procedures
- Tooth extraction procedures
- Oral surgery procedures
- Dental implant procedures
Schedule an Appointment at Lovett Dental Missouri City
Dentophobia is a genuine condition, but it cannot stop you from getting the treatment you need. At Lovett Dental Missouri City, our team is here to help you work through the fear of the dentist. If you need sedation dentistry or just a team that understands your dental anxiety, call us first. Schedule a consultation by calling 281-969-5099 today.