The Anxious Patient’s Guide to Stress-Free Dental Appointments

Feeling anxiety over a trip to the dentist is a common occurrence—as many as 40 million Americans admit to avoiding dental treatment due to fear or worry. However, anxiety or nervousness shouldn’t keep you from receiving the dental care you need for a healthy and confident smile. If you are feeling nervous about an upcoming dental visit for teeth cleaning, fillings, or even a cosmetic dentistry treatment you’ve chosen, there are several ways to minimize stress for a more positive and comfortable appointment. Your dentist near Kendall can work with you to ensure you always feel comfortable receiving dental care.

Talk to Your Dentist

Stress and anxiety often result from a fear of the unknown. If you don’t know what to expect from your dental visit, you may envision a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. The solution to this type of worry is talking to your dentist—ask questions about what will happen during the treatment so you’ll know exactly what to expect and which instruments or treatment methods will be used. You can also discuss ways to signal feelings of fear or discomfort if you’d like the dentist to pause at any time during treatment.

Consider Sedation Dentistry

If you’re still concerned about having trouble relaxing in the dentist’s chair, sedation dentistry is a versatile option that aids with relaxation and comfort when you are feeling fearful or nervous about dental care. There are several types of dental sedation available, including nitrous oxide and oral medications to help you relax and even forget the sights, sounds, and activity of the dental office after your appointment has passed. Dental sedation is tailored to each patient’s needs during every visit, allowing you to choose exactly the level of sedation you want. You can choose sedation for any type of dental treatment, including simple procedures such as an exam and teeth cleaning or more complicated treatments such as a root canal.