Don’t Let Fear Compromise Your Oral Health
Dental anxiety affects roughly 30 to 50 percent of the United States population, and most people feel at least a bit uneasy about dental visits. The consequences of dental anxiety can be significant. Aside from making a person feel uncomfortable during appointments, dental anxiety may prevent people from going to the dentist – even when they know they need dental care.
If you experience dental anxiety, these tips may help you overcome your fear:
1. Ask Away!
A lot of the anxiety surrounding dental visits comes from not knowing what to expect. Dentists also happen to use a lot of strange-looking tools you don’t see every day. So, ask any and all questions you have about the tools we use, including why we perform certain procedures, and what kind of follow-up services we recommend.
2. Talk to The Dental Team
Many people feel uneasy while sitting in a dentist’s chair because it seems restraining. Before getting started, talk to your hygienist and dentist about your concerns and work out a way to let them know when you need a break.
Other people feel anxiety surrounding dental visits because they’re embarrassed about their oral health or concerned about how to pay for their services. Talking to the dental team can help alleviate these concerns.
3. Consider Sedation Dentistry
Dental anxiety is a major barrier to proper dental care for a lot of people. For patients with severe dental anxiety, sedation dentistry and pain-relieving interventions (like nitrous oxide) may be the best way to manage fear.
Are You Due For a Dental Cleaning?
It’s time to upgrade your dental cleaning experience. At MW Dentistry & Esthetics, we offer sedation dentistry as well as a number of other professional and empathetic approaches that can make your dental visit as comfortable as it is thorough. To book your next appointment, call our clinic at (765) 643-5356 now.
