5 Tips For Handling Dental Anxiety – Stay Comfortable In The Dentist’s Chair!

Millions of people in the US suffer from dental anxiety, so if you’re nervous or anxious before an appointment at Southington Dentistry, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll discuss a few simple tips and strategies you can use to mitigate dental anxiety and get the dental care you need from Dr. Neil Salesky.

1. Discuss Your Anxiety With Your Dentist

If you’re anxious about seeing the dentist, we highly recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Neil Salesky, and discussing your anxiety with him. Dr. Salesky specializes in treating patients who are anxious or nervous about dentistry, and he will listen to you and understand your fears, anxiety, and discomfort, and take steps to help you overcome them. For example, if you are anxious because you feel like you’re not in control during your dental appointment, Dr. Salesky and our dental team can ask for your permission and approval before each step of your treatment, ensuring you remain in control and feel more comfortable. 

2. Distract Yourself During Your Appointment

One of the best ways to feel more comfortable at the dentist is to take your mind off of your treatment. If you want, you can bring in your phone or tablet and a pair of headphones, and watch Netflix, listen to music, or turn on an audiobook or podcast during your treatment. 

3. Focus On Your Breathing During Treatment

This may seem like a simple tip, but it really works. If you’re feeling anxious, you’ll tend to take shallow breaths, which can make you feel even more panicked because you won’t be getting enough oxygen.  So focus on your breathing. Breathe in and out as deeply as you can, and make sure you’re totally filling and emptying your lungs. This helps you feel calmer, and focusing on your breathing can be a welcome distraction from your dental procedure at our office.

4. Consider Sedation Dentistry

We offer both nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation, as well as pill-based oral conscious sedation. Laughing gas is the most minimal type of sedation, so it’s a good choice if you have to go back to work or your day-to-day routine after your appointment. Pill-based sedation provides a deeper level of sedation, so you may fall asleep or forget most of what happens during your procedure. It’s a great choice if you have more serious anxiety, but its after-effects do last a lot longer.

5. Bring Someone With You To The Dentist

It can be helpful to bring a partner, friend, or loved one with you to the dentist. Typically, your companion won’t be allowed into the operatory during your treatment, but they can keep you company while you wait for your treatment and after your procedure is completed at Southington Dentistry. In fact, if you plan on being sedated with pill-based oral conscious sedation, you will be required to bring someone with you, since you will not be allowed to drive home due to the after-effects of dental sedation. This is not necessary if you choose nitrous oxide sedation, however.

Get The Treatment You Need From Southington Dentistry Today!

At our office, Dr. Neil Salesky will always take every step he can to make you comfortable as you get the dental treatment you need, especially if you have dental anxiety. So don’t wait. Contact us online or call at (860) 628-5029 to get the care you need in Southington, Plantsville, and Wolcott right away.