Overcoming Dental Appointment Anxiety
If you experience anxiety over dental appointments, you are not alone! At least one out of three people has some level of “dental anxiety”, preventing them from receiving the important dental care they need to maintain a healthy smile. At North Coast Smiles, your Encinitas, CA dentist understands and has created an environment and practices that make it so much easier for even the most anxious patient to feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair.
Talk About the Anxiety
There is nothing wrong with feeling anxiety. Your brain is always trying to keep you safe, and there are deep evolutionary reasons that some people go into fight-or-flight mode when it comes to dental experiences. For some people, past experiences with dental care continue to shape their feelings. It helps to be open with yourself, your family, and your dentist, so that you can get the support that you need to honor, process, and let go of the anxiety.
Self-Care for Dental Anxiety
The fact is, you need dental care to stay healthy. Skipping appointments can lead to cavities, periodontal disease, and other conditions that can adversely affect the rest of your health. You already know this, of course. But how do you avoid breaking out in a sweat when your finger hovers over the “request appointment” button? Some things that have helped our patients in the past include:
- Exposure Therapy—A therapist guides you through breathing and relaxation techniques while you watch videos of other people going to the dentist.
- Acupuncture for anxiety—Some of our patients have found this a helpful way to deal with all kinds of different anxieties.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—Another form of therapy that often combines with exposure therapy for reducing anxiety.
- Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques—Try different breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to find one that works for you.
- Sedation dentistry—Our dentist in Encinitas, CA, offers safe, effective IV sedation for patients who experience dental anxiety. This allows our dental team to care for your oral health needs while you are totally relaxed, safe, and comfortable.
Sedation Dentistry in Encinitas, CA Calms Dental Anxiety
Dr. LeFebvre is the dentist Encinitas patients trust for a calm, comfortable dental appointment through sedation dentistry. We constantly monitor our patients throughout their appointments, and most patients have no memory of the appointment afterwards. It’s just that relaxing. And they go home with clean, healthy teeth. Schedule your appointment today, and let us show you just how easy it can be!
