Straight Teeth in Less Time
When You're Scared: The Use Of Sedation Dentistry And Other Techniques Help Patients Overcome Their Fear
Lois Murray
It is essential to get regular dental cleanings twice a year, but this can be difficult for people who have a fear of the dentist. While it isn't the most fun experience, there is usually nothing to fear when you go to the dentist. You can learn a number of techniques to help you go to the dentist, giving you the serenity you need before you head into the office. When you are able to remain calm, you will soon realize that your fears can be overcome. If you need extra help remaining calm during your appointment, your dentist can use sedation dentistry in order for you to get the work done that you need.
Focus on Simple Deep Breathing Techniques
Reducing the amount of stress that you feel when thinking about a visit to the dentist is essential to getting your fear under control. To decrease the physical symptoms of stress, give yourself a time out for ten minutes. Focusing on breathing in for a count of four and out for a count of six. Allow yourself to breathe deeply for the ten minutes, while inhaling and exhaling slowly. Your pulse will slow down, your breathing will be less shallow, and your body will become physically relaxed. If you begin to feel anxiety symptoms return, take a few minutes and focus on your breathing once again.
Ask Your Dentist About Sedation
Your dentist has options when it comes to providing you with medication to help you calm down before a procedure. If your fear is mild, your dentist may prescribe an oral medication to help you relax. If your procedure is extensive and you are very upset, your dentist might use nitrous oxide. This is a short acting gas that allows you to relax through your procedure. Your dentist controls the amount of nitrous oxide that you receive. When your dental procedure requires extensive surgery, your dentist can also provide you with general anesthesia where you will be completely unconscious throughout the treatment.
Go to the Dentist with Support
If your fear of the dentist is troubling you, try going to the dentist with a friend or family member. While you may feel silly bringing someone with you to the dentist, it can be very reassuring to bring a person you trust along who can keep you calm. When you need support to get over your fear, don't be shy about asking for it.
For more information, contact local professionals like All About Smiles.
Share
I had braces when I was a kid. Back then, you had to wear those metal wires and rubber bands for what seemed like forever. When I saw that my child’s teeth were going to be crooked like mine, I was dreading the years of braces and orthodontist appointments and limited diets that I saw stretching ahead of us. I was pleased to find out that braces today are very different from braces when I was a kid. They don’t need to be worn for nearly as long, and they aren’t as intrusive, either. My daughter got braces that can barely be seen, and she can remove them when she eats, so she doesn’t have to give up her favorite foods. I was so impressed that I started a blog to talk about modern day tooth straightening techniques. Braces have come a long way.