Tips for Coping with Dental Anxiety

If it’s been a while since your last trip to a dentist office located in Denver, you are probably overdue for a checkup. Many people procrastinate about going to the dentist due to their anxiety, and will wait until a toothache becomes unbearable to seek treatment. Regular dental exams are vital to your overall health, so use these tips to cope with your dental anxiety:

Decide if You’re Anxious About Feeling Vulnerable

Many patients fear trips to the dental office because they dislike the idea of handing over control to someone. Going to the dentist for a bad tooth requires sitting back and letting another person address the pain in your mouth, and this thought can spark fear in people. The best way to address this anxiety is to discuss whatever you’re nervous about with your dentist. When he knows what makes you anxious, he’ll be better prepared to keep you comfortable during your treatment. Also, ask your doctor to describe each step of the process before he begins it, and establish a signal that will tell him when you need a break.

Think About Feeling Anxious About Pain

One of most common reasons for people to avoid the dentist is their fear of pain. This may seem like a reasonable fear to have, but it can often be traced back to a childhood dental office visit that was frightening or painful, or to exaggerated stories heard from others. To reduce your anxiety about pain, keep in mind that advances in dentistry techniques, technology, and treatments allow many procedures to cause minimal discomfort or be pain-free.

Consider Anxiety Relief Treatments

Today, there are options available that can help you relax while at the dentist without the need for sedatives or narcotics. NuCalm, for example, is available as a topical cream or chewable supplement that counteracts adrenaline to help patients relax. This technology begins working in just minutes and will cause no side effects, allowing you to drive yourself home immediately after your treatment. Ask your dentist about treatments to help you relax at the dental office.