Tips To Stay Calm During Dental Procedures

Dental anxiety is a very real thing that affects many adults. Dental anxiety affects nearly 75% of the adult population. This can lead to avoiding the dentist and neglecting your oral health. In fact, according to the ADA, 9 out of 10 adults don’t visit the dentist as often as they should. For some, anxiety can stem from a fear of pain and discomfort, but for others, it’s the fear of the unknown and unfamiliar.

Dental anxiety is often caused by past negative experiences during dental appointments. If you’ve experienced pain and stress during a dental procedure, it’s natural to feel anxious during future appointments.

If you find yourself avoiding the dentist due to anxiety, there are several things that can be done to help. Here are they:

• Understand the procedure

Your dentist will explain each step of your procedure, so you know exactly what to expect. Knowing what to expect and what your dentist is doing can help you feel calm, relaxed, and in control.

• Listen to music

Listening to music is a great way to stay relaxed during a dental procedure. Choose music that soothes you or makes you feel good. Listening to your favorite song can also take your mind off of your procedure and make you feel more at ease.

• Ask for a numbing injection

You’re less likely to get anxious or uncomfortable when you receive dental sedation. One of the best things you can do to stay calm is to request dental sedation. We offer oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation to help our patients have a comfortable dental experience. Sedation dentistry allows you to tolerate a procedure without pain or fear while being awake and able to respond to the dentist.

• Bring a friend for support

If you are nervous, bring someone you trust with you. They can sit in the dental chair and hold your hand or give you a neck or back massage to help you relax.

• Take a deep breath

Your dentist knows you are nervous about your appointment, and that’s why they want you to be as relaxed as possible. They’ll do everything they can to help put you at ease, including recommending you take deep breaths whenever you feel tense. This can help your body’s relaxation response kick in, which should help you feel calmer and more relaxed.

• Avoid caffeine and nicotine

Staying calm during a dental procedure may seem impossible, but it is possible. Avoiding caffeine and nicotine are two very effective ways to stay composed during your appointment. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rates. Nicotine is a stimulant, as well, and can increase heart rate and blood pressure when inhaled.

• Talk with your dentist

Even if you think you’re being calm, it can be helpful to tell your dentist if you are feeling tense. They may be able to adjust the situation to make you more comfortable. For example, if you are feeling nervous about a shot, they might give you a topical numbing cream or spray.

For booking and other queries, contact Dentist San Jose CA at (408) 901-0101 or varnidental@gmail.com. Your comfort and smile matter to us, so schedule your appointment soon. Visit our clinic at 181 E Tasman Dr. Suite 60, San Jose, CA 95134 with your family.