9 TIPS FOR OVERCOMING A DENTAL PHOBIA

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9 TIPS FOR OVERCOMING A DENTAL PHOBIA
HOW TO RELAX AT THE DENTIST
If you break out in a sweat even thinking of
going to the dentist you're not alone. One in
four adults are afraid of going to the dentist.
But don't let fear of the dentist stop you from
getting regular dental check-ups or proper dental
treatment. Read on to find out more about how
advances in dental medicine are making trips to
the dentist less painful, and for tips on how to
relax at the dentist.
ADVANCES IN DENTAL MEDICINE
If you suffer from a dental phobia it's probably
been many years since you've gone to the dentist.
And there have certainly been advances since your
last visit. The new tools and treatments are
designed to be less painful and less invasive
than previous procedures. For example, we can now
use a dental wand if you have a needle phobia.
The wand looks like a pen and delivers
anaesthetic very slowly, making the injection
painless. We can also numb your gums before an
injection so you
don't feel the needle.
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Another change is among dentists ourselves.
Dentists are generally more sensitive to patients
with dental anxiety than in the past. We
recognise how difficult it is for some patients
to even set foot in the front door. If you have a
dental phobia please let us know so we can do our
best to make you as comfortable as possible. We
are trained to help you manage dental anxiety.
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH DENTAL PHOBIA
You are probably saying to yourself, but I'm
scared of the dentist, what can I do? Here are
some straightforward ways to help you tackle your
dental fear. Tips 1) Start by choosing a dentist
you feel comfortable with. We have a wide variety
of dentists on staff and will work with you to
find the one that makes you feel most at ease.
2) Choose an early morning appointment. This way
you'll have less time to worry about your
upcoming visit to the dentist.
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3) Be prepared. Ask us any questions you have
about the procedure beforehand. Knowing what to
expect helps many patients feel more comfortable
during the procedure. We'll also do our best to
explain what we're doing each step of the way to
help ease any fears.
4) Bring a friend along with you to your
appointment. We don't mind if someone comes with
you for support during your exam or treatment.
Make sure it's someone who isn't afraid of the
dentist and that can help put you at ease.
5) Use distraction to battle your dental anxiety.
While you're waiting for your appointment or for
your dentist to set up, try reading a magazine,
watching a video, or playing a favourite game on
your phone. If your mind is engaged in another
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activity it's less likely to be worried.
6) Listen to relaxing music. Research has shown
that music reduces stress and eases anxiety.
Choose something soothing, like classical or
light jazz. You might also want to try listening
to a meditation designed for reducing anxiety.
Check out the Best Anxiety Apps of 2018 by
Healthline for a great list of anxiety-reducing
apps you can download to your phone.
7) Use deep breathing to calm your mind and body.
See 6 Breathing Exercises to Relax in 10 Minutes
or Less for a variety of different techniques you
can try.Find the one that helps you to relax the
most.
8) Agree on a signal with your dentist to stop if
you are feeling uncomfortable. As you may not be
able to communicate verbally at that moment you
need a non-verbal signal such as a hand movement.
Your dentist or hygienist can stop and give you a
few moments to recover before they continue.
9) For extreme dental phobia ask us about
sedation. For more involved procedures we can use
nitrous oxide or intravenous conscious sedation
to help ease both pain and anxiety.
Ready To Find Out More About Dental Phobia?
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111 6623
info_at_bichove.co.uk
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