Regular dental appointments are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and teeth. However, dental anxiety is one thing that can prevent people from taking advantage of dental appointments. Affecting about 36% of the people in Georgia, dental anxiety is a common condition. Fortunately, there are things you can do to solve the issue.
Rather than postponing or finding excuses not to go to a Lawrenceville, GA dentist, you should try a few techniques to alleviate your anxiety symptoms.
Common anxiety-relieving techniques.
- Speak up about your fears.
You might be worried and anxious while visiting a dental clinic for the first time. Prepare a list of questions that you may have before visiting a dentist to make the procedure more productive and less uncertain. Do not hesitate to share your concerns with the dentist.
The more you speak up, the more the dentist and staff will be able to address your concerns and resolve the issue. Communicating with your dentist and building a good relationship will make you feel more relaxed and comfortable in their clinic.
- Hypnosis.
During hypnotherapy, the conscious mind is stilled, and a relaxed condition is achieved. You can achieve a trance state by following this guideline of relaxation practice. The hypnotherapist will then use the power of suggestion to combat your anxiety levels. However, a hypnotherapist cannot force you to do anything against your will.
- Mindful meditation.
Mindfulness meditation is a mental exercise that helps you lower your anxiety and calm down. Your mind only focuses on the present during meditation, and you are not struck by any past or future thoughts that might make you feel worried or anxious.
You will now focus on your breath or the sensations in your body. By practicing this regularly, you can train your mind to stay more calm and focused, which helps you reduce anxiety over time. It is an easy and effective way to find peace in your chaotic days.
- Agree on a signal.
Before starting the procedure, agree on a signal with your dentist that you may use if you feel pain or uncomfortable and need a break. You can just hold your breath or raise your hands to signal your dentist that you are uncomfortable and stop the procedure. It is as simple as that.
Make sure to communicate with your dentist and tell them about the signal before any work is done. It will allow them to notice it and give you a pause whenever needed.
These steps can help reduce the anxiety that is preventing you from getting dental treatment.
However, if these steps do not work for you, speak to a dentist today for other treatment plans.
