Is a deep-seated fear of the dentist keeping you from getting yearly checkups and cleanings? You don’t have to go through it alone. The team at Magic Smiles Dental and Implant Centre is here to give you four ways to overcome dental anxiety (also called dentophobia).
Looking for gentle dentistry in Coffs Harbour or Woolgoolga, NSW? At Magic Smiles, we offer numerous services (like sedation dentistry) to make dental care more comfortable for you. Contact our team now to see how we can give you a more pleasant experience.
Meanwhile, let’s discuss four things you can do to make dental care less intimidating. Even simple solutions can add up to major differences in your care and comfort!
Calm Your Nerves with Breathing Exercises
We’ve all heard it before– “Just take a deep breath!” But, how beneficial is deep breathing on anxiety? It turns out that it could make a noticeable difference in soothing frayed nerves.
Research reveals that prolonging exhalation triggers the parasympathetic nervous system. Once triggered, the parasympathetic nervous system reduces the fight-or-flight response. As a result, feelings of fear and anxiety greatly diminish with deep, controlled breathing.
So, what’s the trick? Simply breathe in, and fully release all of the air from your lungs (exhaling for about five counts). Repeat this process for two to five minutes or until you feel more relaxed.
Distract Yourself with Your Favorites
For many patients, the sensations of a dental office can trigger their dentophobia. So, if the sound of drills or the smell of a sterile environment causes you to panic, then block out the surrounding environment with welcome distractions.
Here are a few ways that you can keep yourself distracted and entertained during dental appointments:
- Listen to your favorite music (and pump the volume up just a tad!)
- Watch your favorite TV shows or movies (on our TVs or on your own device!)
- Play with fidgets to keep energetic hands occupied
- Place diluted essential oils (like calming lavender mixed with coconut oil) under the nose to promote calm
Find Your Happy Place
It might sound a little silly, but visualization can be a powerful tool to combat dentophobia. Visualization is a mental exercise that encourages patients to reframe and redirect their thoughts. Experts believe that visualization is a form of meditation, which can help patients relax and find their ‘happy place,’ even in stressful situations.
Consider Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry may be the most effective way to overcome dentophobia. This nerve-soothing approach to gentle dentistry deters dental anxiety with the use of:
- Oral conscious sedation
- IV sedation
- Nitrous oxide
- Local anesthesia
- General anesthesia
Sedation dentistry is right for most patients. So, don’t hesitate to ask our team which sedation dentistry services might benefit you most at your next appointment!
Ask Us About Sedation Dentistry in New South Wales
Don’t let dentophobia keep you from getting exceptional dental care with our skilled dentists in Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga, NSW. Contact the team at Magic Smiles online here to ask us about our available sedation dentistry services and other gentle treatments.
