Dental anxiety can be extremely detrimental to a person’s mental and oral health. Oftentimes, we find patients who haven’t visited the dentist in several years because of their fear of the dental office.

No matter how nervous you may be about going to the dentist, it’s never a smart idea to forget to schedule routine appointments. The longer you wait the more likely you will have more serious dental problems.

Here at Downtown Franklin Family Dentistry, our team understands many people have had negative experiences with the dentist, or just aren’t comfortable when someone is working on their teeth. That’s why Dr. Abrams and our team have come up with 5 tips to help all our patients overcome that fear of going to the dentist.

1. Talk to our dentist about your anxiety

The first step to conquering dental anxiety is admitting that you have it. Once you’ve come to terms with the fact that you may need some help getting through routine appointments, it’s time to talk to our team about your fears.

Dr. Abrams can work with you to come up with a plan that will help you feel more comfortable during your next appointment. He may suggest things like using a numbing gel before your procedure or using “the Wand”, a computer-assisted anesthetic delivery system. Whatever the case, Dr. Abrams will ensure you are as comfortable as possible.

2. Distract yourself during the appointment

If you find it hard to relax during your dental appointments, try distracting yourself with music or a book. Focusing on something else can help take your mind off of the procedure and make the time go by more quickly. Many of our patients will listen to music or their favorite podcast in the dental chair.

3. Breathe deeply and slowly

One of the most common signs of anxiety is shallow, rapid breathing. If you find yourself feeling short of breath during your appointment, try taking some deep, slow breaths to calm yourself down. Don’t be afraid to tell Dr. Abrams or a team member that you are feeling anxious. Once our team knows this, we can do everything in our power to ensure you are comfortable. 

4. Use positive visualization

Positive visualization is a technique that can be used to ease anxiety in any situation. For dental appointments, try picturing yourself relaxing in a peaceful place like the beach or a meadow. You can also be reassured you are in good hands with our team, check out our Google Reviews here. 

5. Ask Questions

We are here to serve you and ensure you are getting the highest quality of care. If you are feeling nervous or anxious about a recommended treatment plan, reach out and ask us questions. Oftentimes, we can relieve our patient’s fears and leave them feeling much better by just answering a few questions.

If you do have a fear of the dentist, don’t be embarrassed. It’s normal for people to be nervous, but our Franklin dental practice is trained to deliver comfortable care to our patients. Learn more about our friendly dental practice by contacting us and scheduling an appointment.