Are You An Anxious Patient?
It’s OK to feel nervous about visiting the dentist. We understand. A clinical setting can be intimidating if you don’t work in one every day. We do our best to help you feel calm and relaxed during your visits, but if you are one of the millions of Americans with dental anxiety, you may need a little additional help. Continue reading to learn our tips for a pleasant, relaxing dental visit every time.
We Take Your Feelings Seriously
We will never judge you for feeling nervous about receiving care at our office. On the contrary, we will welcome you with compassion and do everything possible to help you feel more at ease. If you are at all anxious about your appointment, please share your feelings with us. Knowing your triggers will help us create a more accommodating atmosphere for you and conduct your appointments in a way that makes you more comfortable.
Helpful Tips to Be More Relaxed at the Dentist
Many of our patients find it helpful to take specific steps to improve their mood and keep them more relaxed during their appointments. Here are our top suggestions:
- Schedule your appointments for times when you are usually more relaxed. For example, if you have a stressful job, it might be best to avoid appointments immediately before or after work or on your lunch break. Likewise, if you don’t want to feel rushed, we recommend scheduling a buffer before and after your appointment. That way, you’ll have enough time to prepare beforehand and reset afterward.
- Stay away from stimulants before your dental appointment. Energy drinks, coffee, and some over-the-counter medications stimulate your nervous system, making you more jittery and anxious. While visiting your favorite coffee shop might relax you, drinking a double espresso right before coming to our office is unwise if caffeine heightens your anxiety. In this case, you can try ordering a decaf version of your usual or a tasty herbal tea on the day of your dental appointment.
- Bring your headphones. Some of our patients find that listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook distracts them from what is happening while in the dentist’s chair and keeps them more relaxed during their appointments. Music can soothe your nerves and help you feel calmer during a procedure. Anything that requires your concentration could be helpful.
- Ask us about sedation. If your anxiety is keeping you from getting essential care, you might be a good candidate for sedation. We provide conscious sedation at our office, which means you are awake the entire time but in a deep state of relaxation. Many of our patients take advantage of this option, and it helps them get the care they need and deserve.
We want every patient to feel comfortable talking to us about their feelings. Whether you’re nervous about a procedure or have had a negative dental experience, we want to know about it. Our team understands and is here to help, because everyone deserves quality dental care.
If you have been putting off scheduling your next appointment because of anxiety or any other reason, please call our office in Meeker, CO. We would be more than happy to assist you.
