5 Tips To Overcome Dental Anxiety
If you avoid the dentist because of dental anxiety you are certainly not alone. Believe it or not, about 80% of Americans suffer from a fear of the dentist. Dealing with any form of anxiety can be tough – and for those who avoid the dentist altogether, it can result in lengthy gaps between office visits, and serious restoration down the line.
Now, we’re not trying to scare you here – we want you to feel safe with us and understand that you are not alone. Our hope with this blog is to empower you to visit the dentist, allowing your smile to be as healthy as it can be. Here are a few tips to consider when working to overcome dental anxiety.
Find A Dentist That Understands Dental Anxiety
Even though dental anxiety is so common, not every dentist makes alleviating those fears a priority. Finding a dentist that considers dental anxiety a possibility for everyone is essential in feeling at ease in the dental chair. At Smile St. Pete Dentistry, Dr. Lowry keeps patient comfort at the forefront of her practice, meeting each and every patient with grace and compassion.
Try To Get To The Root Of Your Dental Anxiety
When working to overcome dental anxiety, the first step is understanding what exactly makes you uncomfortable. We suggest talking with your dentist about these fears, allowing them the chance to put you at ease or make accommodations for your next office visit. If you’re not comfortable scheduling an appointment to ask these questions in person, you can always make that first step via phone call! Our team is eager to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
Understand Your Dental Sedation Options
For many patients, it can be difficult to stay calm throughout an entire office visit – even those who don’t suffer from dental anxiety. For this reason, Dr. Lowry offers Nitrous Oxide Sedation (commonly known as laughing gas or happy gas). This gas is completely safe and is a great tool for keeping you calm and relaxed during your time in the dental chair.
Bring A Partner With You
If going to the dentist alone makes you uneasy, we encourage you to bring a partner or friend to your next visit! We understand that loved ones have a way of putting people at ease, so keeping them close by during your next dental exam may be exactly what you need.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
Sometimes it's those intimidating dental tools that can stir up discomfort – we get it! If this is the case for you, we encourage you to ask the dentist as many questions as necessary to help put you at ease. There are chances that a detailed explanation will help to calm your nerves and take away those feelings of anxiety.
Our Compassionate Approach
At Smile St. Pete Dentistry, Dr. Lowry understands that dental anxiety is common. Each and every day she keeps this at the forefront of her business, ensuring that all patient needs are met with compassionate care. If you have been struggling with dental anxiety and aren't sure of the next best step, we encourage you to give our team a call. We promise to take excellent care of you, and will work to accommodate your needs as much as possible.
