Is your dental anxiety stopping you from visiting a dentist in Lunenburg, MA? Here's how to manage your anxiety and take care of your dental health.
Dental anxiety affects up to 80% of Americans. If you're afraid to go to the dentist for any reason, how can you manage your anxiety in order to get the health care you deserve?
It's understandable to feel a sense of anxiety whenever you have to get your teeth worked on. You can feel vulnerable, and feel nervous that your procedure might be painful.
Having dental work done can be an emotional experience, but we're here to help you through it. Here's how you can beat your dental anxiety and visit your local dentist in Lunenburg MA.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Knowing what form your anxiety takes will help you combat it. Not everyone reacts the same way, and you might not even recognize the symptoms of an anxiety attack.
Here are some common physical reactions to anxiety:
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Shaking
- Feeling too hot or too cold
- Rapid heartbeat
Anxiety from fear of the dentist can show up as a sleepless night, racing thoughts about your visit, or the feeling you need to cancel your appointment. Knowing the symptoms will help you determine what's the best course of action so you can get the dental care you need.
Before Your Appointment
Battling dental anxiety starts before you step foot in the office. It's important to arrive at your appointment relaxed and well-rested.
The day before, try doing some light exercise, like yoga, where you have to focus on the poses. Deep breathing exercises and positive affirmations go a long way towards convincing yourself that your visit will go well.
Write down any questions you might have the night before so that you feel prepared when you step foot in the dentist office. Make sure you get a good night's rest, too.
During Your Appointment
Once the big day arrives, you'll feel more confident if you have a game plan. Start by bringing a friend with you; even if they can just stay in the waiting room, it can be a comfort to have a friendly face nearby.
Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Ask them to explain every part of the procedure so that nothing catches you by surprise.
Your dentist will no doubt have dealt with others who have experienced fear about dental issues. They will surely be understanding and help put you at ease.
If you feel that your anxiety is so great that it's a real barrier to getting dental care, why not consider sedation dentistry? It might be a solution if you're still feeling too nervous.
Visit Your Dentist in Lunenburg, MA Today
Now you can feel confident you can conquer any fears you might have about visiting your dentist in Lunenburg, MA. With these techniques, you'll feel great about making your appointment and sticking with it.
Anxiety feels scary and can seem overwhelming. By keeping your end goal in sight -- tackling your dental care -- you can overcome these negative emotions.
Are you ready to schedule your visit to a dentist Lunenberg, MA? Reach out to us today and get the compassionate care that you deserve.
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