Fear of visiting the Cosmetic dentist isn’t uncommon; in fact, it’s estimated that up to 20 percent of Americans will put off dental appointments until they’re absolutely necessary because they experience anxiety when thinking about dental work. However, regular dental check-ups are vital to the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw. Here are some tips on how to overcome a fear of visiting the dentist.
Talk to Your Dentist about Your Fears
The first thing you should do is speak to your dentist about your fears and anxieties about dental work. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed; the dentist and his or her team will have met many people with similar issues. Above all, they’re there to help you. A good dentist will listen to you and provide suggestions to help you become more comfortable with treatment.
Look into Breathing Exercises
Learning breathing exercises can help you reduce the stress you feel about visiting the cosmetic dentist. Before you sit in the chair, take deep, slow breaths through your nose, and gently exhale through your mouth, focusing entirely on your breathing. Repeat this up to ten times, or until you start to feel calm.
Distract Yourself
Some people find that a distraction can help them stop thinking about the dental work they’re undergoing. You might listen to music, watch a funny video, or talk to someone in the room (as best as you can) so that you aren’t focusing on the procedure.
Consider Sedation Dentistry
If your fear of visiting the downtown Phoenix dentist is particularly strong, you don’t have to let it stop you from taking care of this vital part of your health. Your dentist can offer various forms of sedation to help you relax, many of which will also help you forget parts of the procedure that you might consider nerve-wracking. Talk to your dentist about which method is advisable.
Overcoming Your Fear and Protecting Your Dental Health
Visiting the dentist can be frightening and stressful for many people, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. If you find yourself putting off scheduled check-ups and procedures because you’re afraid of dental work, don’t delay in talking to your dentist about it so that you can find ways to work past your fear and take steps to protect your dental health.
