Top tips to beat dental anxiety

Many people feel anxious about going to the dentist for various reasons. Some worry about pain, others fear that the dentist may be rushed and overlook their concerns. Bad memories from previous visits and even the clinical smell of the dental surgery can add to this stress.

If dental anxiety isn’t addressed, it can cause oral health issues that may require more extensive treatment. Clear communication between you and your dentist is key to easing these worries. Feeling informed and in control during your appointment can help reduce anxiety.

At Valley Dental Practice, the team has years of experience working with nervous patients and will do everything possible to make sure your visit is calm and stress-free.

Here are their top tips to keep anxiety at bay.

1. Pick an appointment time early in the morning so you have less time to sit and dwell on it.
2. The first appointment will simply be a check-up. See this first visit as your chance to get to know the dentist.
3. Share your fears. If you are tense or anxious be sure to tell the dentist and this will help them adapt the treatment to your needs.
4. Focus on breathing regularly and slowly during dental procedures. When people are nervous, they tend to hold their breath, which decreases oxygen levels and further increases feelings of panic. As in some meditation techniques, a focus on slow, regular breathing helps reduce stress levels.
5. Bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment. The dentist will not mind if they accompany you throughout your check-up and treatment.
6. Listen to some music. If the sound of the drill bothers you, bring along your favourite music and earphones.
7. Agree a sign with the dentist to signal that you need a break and want them to stop. It can be as simple as pointing your finger and will help you feel more in control.
8. If you think it will help, start gradually with a clean and polish then work up to more extensive treatment once you’ve built up trust and rapport with your dentist.
9. Get some good reviews. If you are looking for a dentist, ask friends and relatives for recommendations. A glowing review about a dentist from someone you trust can help reduce your anxiety

Here at Valley Dental Practice the team understand that not everyone is able to get past their anxiety and this is why we are pleased to also be able to offer sedation dentistry.

Here are five great reasons to consider sedation dentistry:

1. Minimizes Gag Reflex – Administering a mild sedative can diminish the gag reflex, resulting in greater comfort during dental cleanings or procedures.
2. Facilitates Completion of Multiple Procedures Efficiently – Sedation dentistry enables you to undergo several treatments within a single appointment. Without sedation, the volume of work performed in one visit is limited due to patient fatigue or discomfort; sedation allows patients to remain calm and relaxed, often with little recollection of the procedure.
3. Reduces Pain Sensation –Given the abundance of nerves and blood vessels in the oral region, some individuals experience heightened sensitivity during dental treatments. Sedation dentistry effectively alleviates discomfort associated with these procedures.
4. Alleviates Anxiety – Sedation dentistry provides an effective solution for managing severe anxiety related to dental visits.
5. No Residual Side Effects-For most patients, standard techniques provide sufficient reassurance and comfort. However, sedation dentistry offers an additional option for those requiring further assistance, ensuring a stress-free experience without lasting side effects.

If you need to make a dentist appointment at Valley Dental Practice, or simply want to learn more about sedation dentistry, contact us today on 01255 220322. At Valley Dental Practice, we are committed to providing stress free dental care for all our patients.