Dental anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness or fear associated with visiting the dentist. Dental anxiety can make it difficult for you to receive the dental care you need. If you have dental anxiety, remember that you are not alone. Here are a few tips that help ease dental anxiety.

• Communicate your concerns to your dentist

Don’t be embarrassed to let your dentist know about your anxiety. Dentists are trained to help you feel more comfortable in the chair. If you let them know that you are feeling nervous, they can take steps to address those concerns so you can have a relaxing and comfortable experience. This includes administering nitrous oxide, which can help you feel calmer and more relaxed while we take care of your smile.

A dentist who truly cares about your oral health and your comfort will take the time to speak to you about your concerns and address them accordingly. If you notice that they are making assumptions about what is making you anxious or uncomfortable, ask them to stop! We are here to work with you to get your best results when it comes to your smile. You don’t have to suffer through your dental care; there are ways we can help you be more comfortable and relaxed while you are here.

• Breathing Exercises

By doing simple breathing exercises, you can ease your anxiety. These exercises work by helping you take in more oxygen, which relaxes you and keeps you calm.

• Have a distraction

Bring a book or magazine to read during your procedure. If listening to music is more enjoyable to you than reading, bring your headphones and have a nice distraction playing through your earbuds. Oftentimes patients who listen to music during their procedure report feeling calmer and more at ease with their treatment.

• Bring a friend

Bringing along a friend or family member for moral support will help to ease your nerves. Plus, you don’t have to endure the appointment alone! Their presence can also help to distract you from the procedure so you won’t notice as much discomfort and unease.

• Ask for sedation

Sedation dentistry offers a relaxing way to experience dental care. You will still remain conscious and able to respond to your dental team, yet you will be deeply relaxed throughout your appointment. We recommend using sedation if you have fears or anxieties about dental treatments. Feel free to ask your dentist for their recommendations regarding which type of sedation would be best for your treatment and your personal comfort levels.

We will monitor you throughout your procedure to ensure your safety. You will remain awake during the procedure but will feel extremely relaxed and may not remember much about the appointment afterward.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with us, visit our office, Midtown Dental, at 750 George Washington Way, Richland, WA, Suite 1 99352. You can also reach us at (509) 946-1678.