Tips For Easing Dental Anxiety

It’s a time you dread every six months — going to the dentist. Whether you had a bad experience as a kid or just don’t like all the poking and prodding in your mouth, the reality is you would rather spend your time anywhere else besides a dental office. So how do you go about receiving the necessary treatment without feeling anxious?

Check out these tips for alleviating dental phobia from our Sandy family dentist.

Talk to your dentist

More than anything else, it’s important to talk with your dentist and hygienist about your anxiety. Trust us when we say you aren’t alone with this phobia, as nearly 40 million Americans avoid the dentist altogether because of fear. Make it a point to meet with the staff before your next appointment and discuss your concerns. Doing so will help your dentist adapt the treatment so you remain comfortable and worry-free.

Focus on your breathing

Think back to the last time you were really nervous. Chances are you held your breath for a period of time, only making things worse. That’s why we suggest those with dental anxiety to remember the importance of slow, regular breathing during their appointment. Keep in mind that controlled breaths help you increase your oxygen levels and stay relaxed.

Use hand signals

This is a big one for patients requiring extensive treatment or procedures. When you feel pain and/or discomfort, use hand signals that alert your dentist to temporarily stop. Your safety and comfort should always be a top priority.

Choose a convenient time

There are times when you’re forced to rush to the dentist straight from work. However, if you even have a bit of dental phobia, it’s probably not the best idea to stress yourself out more by contending with rush hour traffic. Here at BeaverBrooke Dental, we understand just how busy life can get, which is why we’re open extended hours Monday and Friday until 6 p.m.

Opt for sedation dentistry

Depending on your level of anxiety, sedation dentistry may be the only option. Sedation dentistry allows you to receive the necessary treatment without being totally miserable. There’s no need to worry about safety, either.

Choose The Top Family Dentist In Sandy

Here at BeaverBrooke Dental, we understand that sitting in a dental chair can be a nerve-wracking experience. This is where having an experienced, friendly dentist comes into play. Dr. Ken Claggett, a family dentist at BeaverBrooke along with his son Ethan, has nearly four decades of practice experience and understands that the needs of all his patients are different.

Whereas some dental patients have no problem receiving treatment, others struggle with anxiety in the chair. Rest assured that the BeaverBrooke staff will go above and beyond to keep you safe and worry-free. Whether you have an upcoming appointment for a tooth extraction or a routine cleaning, we will ensure your comfort from the time you walk in the door to when you leave.

Contact our family dentist in Sandy today!