We’ve not heard many people who straight up love going to the dentist, but some people have crippling anxiety at the thought. This can be even more debilitating when it comes to procedures such as root canals or endodontic surgery. It’s normal to feel apprehensive, but avoiding treatment will just make the problem worse. Luckily, the team at Full Smile Endodontics has some tips and tricks to share to help ease your worries to make your appointment a more tolerable experience.

How To Ease Dental Appointment Worries

Dental treatment always sounds worse than what it actually is, especially to those who have a fear of it. For those with more extreme cases of dental anxiety, it can lead to avoidance of treatment. Unfortunately, this is a counterintuitive move, guaranteed to make oral health problems worse, potentially even requiring more extensive treatment down the road. The best thing you can do is try to work through your concerns using one of the following techniques. 

Communicate

There’s no reason to keep your stress to yourself. Be open about your anxiety, especially when it comes to your dental team. At Full Smile Endodontics, we understand and are happy to help in any way we can to make your experience more comfortable and accommodating. 

There’s no reason to keep your stress to yourself. Be open about your anxiety, especially when it comes to your dental team. At Full Smile Endodontics, we understand and are happy to help in any way we can to make your experience more comfortable and accommodating. 

Relax

Finding ways to relax and calm your mind can make the experience easier to get through. Some simple ways to relieve your nerves, consider trying:

• Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breathing can relax the mind and body. Inhale slowly, hold your breath for a few seconds and exhale slowly. Do this a few times before and during your appointment to center yourself. 
• Visualization: Some people can relax through visualization, which is exactly what it sounds like. Simply focus your mind on picturing yourself somewhere that you find peaceful - by the ocean, in the mountains, etc. 

Distract

Take your mind off the experience by bringing headphones to your appointment. Press play on your favorite playlist or a new podcast and focus on that during the procedure instead of what is happening around you. 

Plan

Plan ahead by scheduling your appointment at a time that works well for you. Many people with dental anxiety enjoy earlier appointments to get it over with early before they’ve had the entire day to dwell on it. 

Sedate

For extreme cases of anxiety, dental sedation may be considered. There are safe and effective options like nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, IV sedatives, and general anesthesia. Each method has its own pros and cons, so be sure to discuss this with Dr. Scherer prior to procedure day. 

Face Your Fears with Full Smile Endodontics Today

Having some nerves when it comes to a dental procedure is completely normal! If your anxiety is preventing you from getting the care you need, though, it’s important to consider the techniques above to work through your fear and give yourself the gift of a pain-free, healthy mouth. The team at Full Smile Endodontics is proud to offer a supportive environment that takes your concerns seriously. Don’t hesitate to let us know how you’re feeling so we can help ease your worries and make your experience more comfortable. If you are ready to take control of your dental health, contact us today to schedule a consultation.