Visiting the dentist can be a worrying experience for many people. Whether it’s the sounds and smells of the practice, or just the general anxiety of being in the dental chair, its completely normal to feel nervous. There are several ways to make your visit to the dentist a more relaxing experience. Here are some tips to help ease your dental anxiety.
Tell the team your concerns: Finding a dental practice who understands your fears and is experienced in dealing with anxious patients can make all the difference. Read the reviews to get an honest insight into the practice and help you find a gentle and communicative dentist.
Make the appointment yours: Let us know how you would like the appointment to go, do you want us to tell you everything as it happens? Or would you prefer a quieter appointment? We will work with you at a pace that suits you, anytime you need a break you can have one.
Booking your appointment at a convenient time: Try to book your visit at a time when you are least likely to feel rushed or stressed. If you tend to worry about an appointment, book an early morning slot to get it out of the way.
Use distraction methods: If you’re nervous about visiting the dentist, take headphones to listen to your favourite band or audiobook. Our practice can offer to play your favourite music whilst you have treatment to help you feel at ease.
Bring a family member or friend: Feel free to take a close family member or friend with you to your appointment. This will help to provide emotional support and keep you calm during treatment.
Consider sedation dentistry: Discuss with your dentist whether they offer happy gas or IV sedation. Here at Contemporary Dental we offer dental sedation, and find many patients need it to help them feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.
Treat yourself: Have something enjoyable planned for after your appointment, treat yourself to a coffee in Exeter or a browse in the shops, this can make your visit feel less daunting.
Visit the website: Educate yourself on what to expect during your visit, this can help reduce the fear of the unknown. Visit our section on nervous patients to find out more about what we offer and how to book an appointment with us.
Remember its perfectly normal to feel nervous about visiting the dentist, but with these tips, you can take steps to make your experience feel more comfortable. Your oral hygiene is important and finding ways to manage your anxiety will help you maintain a healthy smile for many years to come. Our aim is to help you with your anxieties and reach a point where visiting the dentist is no longer a worry for you.
