subject: Overcome Your Dental Anxiety With Help From Your Queens Dentist [print this page] When it comes time for your dental appointment do you ever find yourself reluctant to go? Have you ever purposely skipped your appointment or found yourself nervous and stressed about your up-coming visit? If this is the case, you are not alone. Millions of people share this common dental fear, but neglecting necessary dental care due to anxiety can lead to serious health problems, such as gum disease, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Act now and prevent further damage by talking to your dentist today about how you can relieve your anxiety.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Some people experience a fear so severe that they lose sleep at night and worry excessively about what might happen at the dentist's office. Dental anxiety is common with up to 15 percent of Americans avoiding the dentist due to fear. Studies have proven that the most important factor in overcoming dental anxiety is good dentist-patient communication. Communication is a crucial factor for relieving dental anxiety and phobia.
Openly express your concerns with your dentist, as this will allow them to adapt the treatment to your personal needs. It is natural for people to feel some level of anxiety when visiting a dentist, but when your anxiety is preventing you from receiving routine care, it is essential that you speak with your dentist to help overcome your anxiety. Establishing trust and keeping patients informed throughout a visit to the dentist helps to calm dental anxiety.
Communication is Vital
Talking with your dentist is the key to eliminating dental fear. With advancements in dentistry, your treatment can be virtually painless. This is why taking the time to discuss your fears with your dentist is important as it can open up other possibilities for treatment options. You can also feel more in control if you take an active part in the decisions about your treatment.
Your dentist in Everett will discuss with you all of the procedures you may need. Depending on the procedures needed, you may be able to have several completed at one time or in a series of shorter appointments. While in your appointment, ask your dentist to describe the types of pain control available and then decide which would be best for you.
You may feel embarrassed to discuss your fears, but remember that you are not alone. These fears are not uncommon. Once your dentist knows what the issues are, they will be better able to find appropriate solutions for your treatment.
Relax
When you are tense or upset your body releases "stress chemicals," such as adrenaline. These chemicals can cause a variety of physical responses. Your muscles may tighten, and you may breathe faster. When this is happening, the pain receptors in your brain become more sensitive, which often makes you feel more fearful and anxious.
Studies have shown that relaxation techniques can help reduce levels of stress hormones as well as pain and anxiety. People who practice relaxation techniques often discover that their fear responses diminish over time. Some of the most effective relaxation techniques include:
*Guided imagery
*Deep breathing
*Progressive relaxation
No matter how you distract yourself, it is important to overcome your fears to maintain proper oral health and overall health. Talk to your dentist in Queens for more information on ways they can help you overcome your anxiety during dental procedures.
