Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Affect You In the New Year
January 1, 2018
If you put off going to the dentist because of fear or anxiety, rest assured, you are not alone. WebMD estimates that up to 20 percent of Americans avoid the dentist. Most are aware that this fear is irrational, but without a good reason to make an appointment, the anxiety overcomes the need for dental care. Fortunately, no matter why you avoid the dentist, you have options that can help you take care of your teeth and tums.
Easing Dental Anxiety
One key element in reducing the fear of going to the dentist is to talk about it with your dentist. By working with your dentist, you can reduce the stressors that give you anxiety. Sometimes, what is feared most is that of the unknown. Drs. Addleson, Campbell, and Landau understand dental anxiety and offer many techniques to help you during your visit.
A good strategy is to have a hand signal that tells the dentist to immediately stop. This allows you to catch your breath. We also explain everything that is happening, at every step during your appointment. Knowing what your dentist is doing and how long it will last often reduces the fear.
Another good option is sedation dentistry in San Diego, CA. Using medication, you can relax during treatment. The dentist can discuss the different levels of sedation with you and determine what is the best choice for you and what you’re having done. Minimal sedation leaves you relaxed, but alert. Moderate sedation leaves you semi-conscious, but you may not remember much after the procedure. You may also receive a local anesthetic in addition to sedation during the procedure to ensure you are not uncomfortable.
Relax While Receiving Care
Request an appointment online, or call (619) 268-6560 to discuss your anxiety with our Art Of Dentistry team in San Diego, CA. We want to provide dental care to keep your mouth looking great for your physical well-being, self-esteem and overall health. Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from the dentist in 2018.