Reducing Anxiety When Visiting the Dentist

A trip to the dentist may be an anxiety provoking event, but it does not have to be. Taking some steps before arriving at the dental office will lead to a more relaxed and pleasant visit for both the patient and the doctor.

There are many steps that may be taken to make the process more enjoyable. Some of the simplest options are choosing to listen to music on a portable music player during the procedure. This is helpful for those who have greater anxiety at hearing noises associated with the tools used for procedures. This can also be helpful for those who find that listening to certain types of music can be calming. Also, seeking a dental office that features a relaxing environment is the best choice. When a patient feels more comfortable based on the environment, it allows the procedure to go more smoothly.

Another simple step that can be taken is setting up a special signal with the dentist to stop the procedure momentarily. This helps to give the patient a break for several minutes to calm down before the dentist begins the work again. It is important for patients to understand all of the details of the treatment that will be performed. This way, there are no surprises while the doctor is working.

For those with more serious anxiety, talking to the doctor to obtain a prescription before the procedure may be helpful. There are several medications that can be taken before a procedure in order to reduce the anxiety levels that are experienced by the patient. It is important to ensure that the doctor is aware of all other medications that are taken to avoid any possible drug interactions. Another option for those seeking a medicated route would be sedation dentistry.

There are two options in sedation dentistry. The patient can be given nitrous oxide which in order to feel more relaxed during the procedure. The patient would be conscious the entire time with this option. The other option is total sedation. This needs to be done at specific dental locations and it not usually covered by insurance. It is important to consider the costs of using this method before determining if it is appropriate.

For a more natural route, breathing techniques and self-talk may be useful. Specific breathing techniques can be learned with the help of a doctor or mental health professional. Self-talk is a method that can also be used to reduce anxiety where the patient tries to mentally reassure themselves about the position they are in. There are also medical resources where this technique can be learned.

One of the best ways to make the trip to the dentist be as comfortable as possible is to ensure proper dental health before the visit. Brushing and flossing are extremely important and should be done several times a day. Patients may also want to consider a water system for cleaning teeth and gums at home. Taking these steps will ensure a happy dental visit.

Dr. Eric Rouah & Associates 5000 Yonge Street, Suite 107, Toronto, ON M2N 7J8 (416) 224-0677 a Toronto cosmetic dentist providing you with the most advanced cosmetic and general dentistry procedures such as dental implants and more.

Dr. Eric Rouah & Associates 5000 Yonge Street, Suite 107, Toronto, ON M2N 7J8 (416) 224-0677 a Toronto cosmetic dentist providing you with the most advanced cosmetic and general dentistry procedures such as dental implants and more. http://www.5000yongedental.com

Author Bio: Dr. Eric Rouah & Associates 5000 Yonge Street, Suite 107, Toronto, ON M2N 7J8 (416) 224-0677 a Toronto cosmetic dentist providing you with the most advanced cosmetic and general dentistry procedures such as dental implants and more.

Category: Advice
Keywords: health,dentist,wellness,family,hygiene,society,cosmetics,beauty,teeth,teeth whitening,doctors

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