Do you feel anxious at the thought of dental visits? Have you had negative dental encounters in the past?
These experiences may cause you to delay or skip appointments. But this tactic is unsustainable and will result in bigger issues down the road.
Here at Happy Sapiens Dental, we see several patients with anxiety. We acknowledge it, but we also encourage you to not let it keep you from receiving necessary dental care.
Here are a few tips to help you overcome dental anxiety:
Be on time, but not too early. You’ll want to avoid staying too long in the lobby. We also do our best to keep appointments running on time to reduce the client's wait time. Let us know if you feel anxious about being in the dental office. We can arrange to have you come inside only when it’s your turn to see the dentist.
Ask your dental team about what you can expect. You may be feeling anxious because you don’t know what to expect during your appointment. It helps to talk to your dental team about the entire process. Let them know how you’re feeling. They can talk to you about the steps involved in your procedure, how long it’ll take, and what you can do to feel more comfortable.
Discuss sedation with your dentist. There are options to help you relax at the dental office. Here at Happy Sapiens, we want to make sure you feel comfortable throughout your dental visit, and we offer the option of sedation. Mild to moderate sedation can make you feel more at ease during your visits and is available in different formats. We can choose one depending on your anxiety level or the extent of your procedure.
Join online forums for people experiencing the same. The online community can also be a wonderful free resource to help you manage your dental fears. Try signing up in one and see what members do to help themselves calm down when they have upcoming dental visits.
Bring a friend. It’s okay to keep company if that helps you relax at the dental office. You can listen to calming or fun music, read a book, watch entertaining videos, or talk about anything to keep your mind off your procedure.
Try relaxation techniques. You may also try relaxation techniques before your dental visits to help you calm down. Check out free resources or ask people within your network about meditation or calming techniques they’re using.
Dental anxiety is common and it happens to many people
Our dental team here at Pinehurst and Woodlands, Texas, have plenty of experience working with anxious and nervous clients.
Let’s work together to make each of your dental experiences a pleasant one. By speaking up and sharing your pain points and biggest concerns, we can provide you with better quality of care. We’re here to support you.
Take the first step in overcoming your dental anxiety, call us today at (281) 356-3351 to get started.