For millions of people, just the thought of going to the dentist can cause anxiety and fear. While some just dread going to their appointments, others are so afraid of the dentist that they completely avoid it. If you are afraid of the dentist, you are certainly not alone. There are many different reasons people are nervous about going to the dentist; some may have had a previous traumatic experience, are afraid of pain, or just feel out of their comfort zone.
Avoiding the dentist may relieve your anxiety, but it isn’t the healthiest decision in the long term. Not keeping up with your dental cleanings or practicing good oral hygiene can lead to more complex and costly dental procedures down the road.
Here are three easy ways to ease your anxiety for a dentist appointment:
- Share Your Fears. Talking with your dentist or hygienist and explaining your fears and what makes you nervous will help them adapt your visit to your needs. They understand that many people have anxiety about going to the dentist and can walk you through your procedure or cleaning to make you feel more at ease.
- Ask Questions. A tray of unfamiliar metal tools can be daunting. Ask your hygienist or dentist about them and what they do in order to familiarize yourself. Getting rid of the unknown factor can make them feel less intimidating and scary.
- Distract Yourself. If you are not a fan of the sounds of the tools at the dentist, distract yourself by bringing headphones and listening to music or a podcast during your visit. Most offices also have televisions in exam rooms for you to watch to take your mind off your appointment.
Our entire staff at Chestnut Ridge Dental is here to make you as comfortable as possible while visiting the dentist. We are committed to working individually with each of our patients to create a personalized treatment plan catered to meet their specific needs. Our dentists have a lot of experience with nervous patients and will work with you to ease your anxiety while under our care.
Contact us at (201) 391-4466 or fill out this form to schedule an appointment!
