At Brite family Dental we understand how coming to the dentist can be a daunting experience for some. It is a bond of trust you have with doctors, especially when one suffers from Dental Anxiety. On average, 13%-24% of people experiencing this feeling when coming to the dentist. There is a spectrum of emotions people experience; these include fear and stress when visiting, leading to dental phobia leading to delaying or avoiding visiting the dentist entirely. It's essential to overcome these feelings to avoid the consequences of experiencing dental health problems.
Regular Checkups
Regularly visiting your dentist for a clean and checkup can help expose yourself to expectations when attending your appointments. Helping you to overcome anxiety by experiencing there is no danger in visiting the dentist. You will also learn to trust your dentist and look after you and your best interests by visiting regularly. It will also help you avoid major dental issues that may need emergency dental work and possible complications leading to further anxiety.
For any mild anxiety suffers, we can supply a sedation call Penthrox with you will inhale. Anaesthesia is a medication that will help you to relax and feel less anxious. There are also prescription medications such as valium that a patient can take beforehand. For both of these medications, it is a case by case judgement on what is required, only in extreme circumstances where it is medically necessary. If you need support to manage your anxiety, please contact us before your appointment or speak to us when you arrive.
Talk to Your Dentist About It
There is nothing to be ashamed of when feeling anxious when visiting us. We completely understand you may feel a little uncomfortable with a dentist looking and working inside your mouth. The best way for us to know what you are feeling is to tell us. We can talk you through what is happening to stopping or slowing down the pace if you aren't feeling well. Letting us know lets us cater our care to your needs.
Take a Family Member with You
Bringing a family member or a close friend with you to your dental appointment will help you through the experience. We strongly suggest this for our younger patients when visiting the dentist, even if they are teenagers. If particular restrictions are in place due to COVID-19 or your support person is unavailable, consider bringing a favourite blanket or soft toy, especially for those under ten years.
Deep Breathing & Meditation
Relaxation reduces your anxiety. You can achieve this by trying to focus on your breathing in combination with taking deep breaths can help you feel at ease and focus on your breath rather than making you anxious. Meditation can be a powerful tool to help you zone out and shift your focus away from what is happening if you struggle at the dentist. In these areas, there are many free resources available online or classes such as yoga you can attend to learn these techniques.
Talk to Your Dentist About It
There is nothing to be ashamed of when feeling anxious when visiting us. We completely understand you may feel a little uncomfortable with a dentist looking and working inside your mouth. The best way for us to know what you are feeling is to tell us. We can talk you through what is happening to stopping or slowing down the pace if you aren't feeling well. Letting us know lets us cater our care to your needs.
We hope that we can help you feel more comfortable through our five coping mechanisms when visiting us. If you are severely struggling with anxiety and need further help, please reach out to your local GP to get a referral to see a psychologist. They can provide you with the cognitive coping therapies that you may find beneficial. When you are ready to book an appointment - please contact our friendly team at Brite Family Dental we will be more than happy to answer your questions and help address any concerns you might have.
Please book an appointment or call us on (07) 3359 1029.
