You probably know that your dental health is an important part of your overall health. As well, you might be interested in improving the appearance of your smile. Due to anxiety about visiting the dentist, however, you could be reluctant to call the cosmetic dentists Park Slope office. If this is the case, it can be helpful to learn some strategies to help calm your fears of the dentist.
Be Proactive
Think ahead as to how you can help yourself remain calm while in the dentist’s office. If you find it helpful to keep your hands occupied, consider bringing a small object, such as a stress ball, with you. You can use it while waiting, sitting in the dentist’s chair, or both. If the waiting room is the most stressful aspect for you, try bringing reading material or a word game to keep your thoughts from focusing on being at the dentist’s office.
Be Communicative
Remember that you are not the only patient who has fears about the dentist. In fact, dental anxiety or fear causes one-third of the U.S. population to avoid going to the dentist. If you communicate your concerns to the receptionist, dentist and technicians, they might be able to offer some suggestions for how to cope. You might have had a specific unpleasant experience in the past, and if you share that information, the staff can help reassure you that it will not happen again.
Be Inquisitive
Maybe some of your fears center on the unknown. If so, asking questions about what is occurring during your visit can be helpful. Also, you may want to ask whether you can raise your hand or give another signal if you need a break during your dental exam. At the end of the appointment, ask the dentist to make a note of any strategy he or she used that was particularly helpful. That way, when you come back for your next visit, your dentist will have a reminder of how to make you feel more comfortable.
