Dental anxiety or dental fear is a common condition that affects a large number of people. Dental anxiety or dental fear is an extreme fear of visiting a dental clinic. Dental anxiety or dental fear is caused due to past experiences, stories, and incidents about dental treatments.

The Importance Of Regular Dentist Visits

When patients visit their dental office regularly, our dentists can detect any potential dental problems early on. That means that we can treat them before they become more serious and invasive procedures are required. For example, if a patient has cavities, the dentist can treat them with a simple filling instead of removing the tooth completely. According to the American Dental Association, those who skip out on their regular appointments are more likely to develop gum disease and are also at a higher risk of needing treatment for oral cancer. Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because it can spread quickly, so early detection is key when it comes to treatment. Regular checkups are crucial for overall dental health!

Know What To Expect At The Dentist’s Office

There are several things you can do to help yourself feel less anxious before your appointment. First, try to remain calm. Simply remind yourself that you’ll be OK. Next, write down any questions you have for your dental team prior to your visit. This way, you won’t forget to ask them, and you can prepare yourself with the answers you receive. Lastly, make sure you arrive early to your appointment so you can fill out any paperwork and ask any questions you might have prior to treatment. Remember, all dentists are trained to help you feel at ease during dental treatments, so don’t be afraid to speak up about your fears or insecurities. The better you communicate with your dentist, the better care they can provide for you.

Tips To Relax In The Dentist’s Chair

For many patients, one of the biggest challenges is overcoming the fear of sitting in a dentist’s chair. The key to relaxing during your procedure is to have complete trust in your dentist and their team. If you trust your doctors and they know their job well, you should be able to relax as your doctor works on your teeth. To help increase your confidence in your dental care team, try these five tips to ease dental fear:

• Practice visualization exercises before your procedure to help reduce anxiety. These can include imagining yourself in a calming place or simply focusing on your breath as you inhale and exhale deeply.
• Ask your doctors about the specifics of the procedure so you can understand exactly what to expect. Knowledge is power!
• Bring along your favorite music to listen to during your appointment. Many dentists have iPods or MP3 players with headphones available for client use.
• Ask your dentist for options for sedation if you need a little extra help to stay calm and relaxed. Options may include nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Your doctor will work with you to decide which option is right for you.
• Finally, take comfort in knowing that you are in good hands. Dentists are highly trained and know just what to do to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Your oral health is important – don’t let fear stop you from getting the dental treatment you need to stay healthy!

For more tips and comprehensive dental care, visit Uptown Smiles at 601 NW 23rd St Suite #200, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. Call us at (405) 702-7766 for appointments.