If you suffer from an overwhelming fear of dentists and dental procedures, you know how easy it is to miss regular appointments. Dental anxiety is a very common problem and affects millions of patients. Unfortunately postponing dental treatment almost always results in the need for invasive and costly treatment in the future.
Obviously, your comfort and well-being are of great importance to the Troy, OH sedation dentist. Our goal is to support your oral health by providing painless and efficient treatments. We use state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive procedures that reduce your time in the chair and increase your discomfort.
But these factors alone may not give you the peace of mind you’re looking for when visiting your dentist. So what can you do to help alleviate this anxiety? Feeling a loss of being in control contributes to dental phobia. Here are three practical tips to help you feel more in control during your dental appointments and hopefully reduce your stress level.
- Talk to your dentist– You may find it embarrassing to talk about your fear, but your dentist needs to be aware of your anxiety to take the necessary precautions during treatment.
- Agree on a signal – Patients are often afraid that their dentist won’t know when and if they are experiencing pain or anxiety, and this contributes to their fear. Agree to a signal with your dentist beforehand. A simple “stop” hand signal can be used to alert your dentist to your discomfort immediately.
- Ask about sedation– Sedation offers an excellent solution for many patients who would not otherwise be able to endure the treatment. Our team offers oral conscious sedation, which is completely needle-free.
The best way to combat dental phobia, however, is to gather information beforehand. Your Troy, OH sedation dentist is always available for a consultation to discuss procedures and treatments to help you understand what your appointment will involve.
Please call our office to learn more anxiety-reducing tips!