Going to routine visits to your dentist is essential to not only maintain your oral health but the overall health of your body as well. Even if you have exceptional oral hygiene habits, plaque can build up in out of sight areas possibly leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Despite the importance placed on regular dental appointments, many patients can develop a fear of going to see the dentist. Having to lay back and open your mouth while someone pokes shiny metal objects around in your mouth isn’t exactly appealing to many people, but can be quite terrifying for others who suffer from dental anxiety. Fortunately for those who have a phobia of seeing the dentist but also know the importance of dental health, there are several tips to reducing stress in the dental chair as well as offering sedation dentistry so you do not have to be aware of the procedure at all and can wake up and go home with a cleaner mouth.

Tips for reducing stress

If you do not like going to dentist appointments, try some of these tips to ease your mind but also get the dental care you need.

• Make a consultation appointment first to meet the staff and dentist, see the waiting room, and ask any questions you may have without the dread of an examination coming. Shedding light on the unknown is an excellent way to reduce stress.
• Communicate with your dentist about your anxiety and talk through different solutions.
• Ask your dentist if you can listen to music or watch a movie while in the dental chair. By totally distracting yourself, you may be surprised at how fast you can be in and out of the chair when you are relaxed.
• Practice thinking of positive situations while at home and controlling breathing so that you can do both in the dentist’s chair as well. Thinking of your favorite vacation or a perfect day while maintaining healthy breathing can be very relaxing.
• Take a mild oral sedative that will relax you if the above tips do not help. A sedative can be prescribed by your doctor or your dentist.
• Ask about using laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, during routine cleanings if you can not control your nerves. This will keep you awake while relaxing you during your appointment. 

Sedation dentistry

If you have high anxiety when it comes to sitting in a dental chair, ask your dentist about the use of sedation dentistry. Your dentist will be able to put you under while performing any procedure you need so that you don’t feel or hear anything during the appointment. This is an excellent option for those with high levels of anxiety during dental exams.

Micro-surgery options

Less invasive surgeries, referred to as micro-surgeries, have improved greatly with new technologies. Micro-surgeries use a laser that can be incredibly beneficial in a dental procedure. If you are worried about your next dental appointment, please talk to your dentist. You will soon be comforted by the available solutions that can ease your mind and your nerves so you get the dental care you need. For the very best at comforting and encouraging patients with dental anxieties in Wheeling and Lake in the Hills, IL, give Aristo Dental a call today!