Feeling Anxious About Your Dental Visit?
Patients become anxious about going to the dentist for different reasons. This may include fear of receiving local anesthetic or concerns about the effectiveness of the anesthesia. Negative past experiences also may play a large role in a patient’s anxiety, as well as financial concerns.
What do we do in our office to relieve your anxiety?
We work to reduce your anxiety before you even set foot in our dental office. This process begins when you make your appointment. Our office staff has been trained to tell you what to expect and to answer any questions you have to ensure that you will be comfortable during your visit. Dr. Malek can go a long way to dispel any negative or frightening images you may have, also he will take the time and ensure that you are comfortable and the local anesthesia has worked fully and effectively before the dental procedure begins. During the procedure you may ask to be given headphones to listen to your favorite music on your phone or use our radio or watch a movie with virtual reality eyeglasses.
An understanding of your dental services and treatment can help to relieve dental anxiety. Make sure you ask questions and request informational materials, if desired.
What can you do to relieve your dental anxiety?
In general, avoid caffeine before a dental appointment to make you less anxious. Eating high-protein foods also produces a calming effect, unlike sugary foods. During the procedure, focus on breathing regularly and slowly. When nervous, some people tend to hold their breath, which decreases oxygen levels and further increases feelings of anxiety. Knowledge is the greatest defense against anxiety. If you have specific fears, talk to us about them.
Are there medications that can help me relax?
Sometimes we prescribe and administer medications to help patients relax during the appointment. Talk to us about your concerns and ask about the possibility of using dental sedation. Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to allow you to relax and feel sleepy during a dental visit or procedure. However, sedation is not pain medication, so you may still require local anesthesia,
depending upon the treatment. There are a variety of sedation dentistry methods. The most common type we use in our office is oral sedatives, which are medications taken by mouth. Sedation is safe when administered by dentists who are trained in its use. However, as with any medication, sedation involves a certain amount of risk. It is important to talk to us about these risks.
What if you are still anxious about your first dental visit?
When you are seeing Dr. Malek for the first time, and you are still anxious you may schedule a complimentary no charge appointment for visit— just a visit that doesn’t require a cleaning or any treatment, just to meet Dr. Malek and to talk to him. Take this opportunity to ask him questions and address your concerns. You’ll find that a dentist like Dr. Malek who takes the time to speak with you about your anxiety will be understanding when it comes to addressing your other concerns.
