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Are you nervous and scared when thinking about visiting the dentist? You're not alone! Fearing a poor assessment of your oral health or a procedure that may be uncomfortable could be the root of your fears. If you find yourself anxious in the dental office, consider the following to help reduce potential anxiety.
We Can Help! Let Us Know!Not only is our team well-qualified to take care of your teeth and gums, but we're here to help you make your visit as enjoyable as possible. We have many tools and techniques to help keep your mind better occupied during your visit: for example, headphones and televisions in our hygiene or procedure rooms. You may simply prefer an understanding and helpful voice to walk you through what to expect, and we certainly can do that.
Prepare Ahead of Time to Reduce StressBook your appointment during a time of day that is low stress for you. This may help you feel less rushed and stressed to get to your appointment on time. Avoiding caffeine before a dental appointment and eating high-protein, low-sugar foods also may help you feel calm or less agitated.
Breathing RelaxationBefore you begin your appointment, consider a deep breathing relaxing exercise. Inhale slowly and then exhale for the same length of time. Repeat this while you're waiting for your appointment, or during breaks in the appointment. Focusing on your breathing may help to center yourself and reduce anxiety.
Opt for Nitrous OxideNitrous Oxide or laughing gas could be a great solution for dental anxiety. Laughing gas benefits people who have extremely sensitive teeth, gag reflexes, or have a fear of needles (see "the Wand" below), dental drills, and other instruments. The gas is administered through a mask placed over the nose of the patient. After 30 seconds to 5 minutes of breathing, the patient begins to feel a pleasant level of sedation or calmness.
After the gas has been adjusted to the appropriate dose and the patient is relaxed and sedated, we can proceed with treatment. Throughout the entire process, you will be monitored by our specially-trained dental team.
What is "The Wand"?The wand is a computerized method of delivering local anesthetic (freezing) that many patients find much more comfortable than conventional freezing. Please see our website to learn more about the wand.
Dental anxiety keeps many patients away from receiving the proper dental care they need; this can lead to compounding oral issues in the future. If anxiety has been keeping you from the dentist, try the strategies above to reduce stress and speak to a member of our team!
Book an appointment with us and be sure to mention any concerns you might have, including dental anxiety.
Sources:At our North York dental office, our fees are based on the most current Ontario Dental Association fee guides.
If you have any questions about the costs of any of our dental services, please contact us so one of our staff members can clarify and guide you through the price determinations.
You can find our patient referral form here. We provide dental care for the whole family, including children's dentistry and emergency dental care.
