If you find yourself looking for reasons not to visit your dentist, you may have dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is a condition in which patients are afraid of the dentist office or oral health care treatments. Luckily, dental anxiety can be treated if you’re willing. Numerous treatments including physical objects, meditative techniques, and sedatives can be used to help give you the peace of mind you need.
It is essential that you always let your dentist know if you are suffering from dental anxiety. Even if you may be embarrassed or afraid, no matter your age, tell your dentist. Simple sedative treatments are highly effective, including gas treatment such as nitrous oxide, should you find yourself needing to go down that path. Deeper sedation treatments such as oral or intravenous sedatives can also be administered.
Stress balls, fidget spinners, and distraction toys can be used to keep your attention elsewhere during oral health care treatments. In addition, calming and relaxing music can be played to help ensure your mind is elsewhere rather than focusing on a task at hand that may have sounds that can potentially cause you stress. Another extremely helpful method for dealing with dental anxiety includes the use of concentrated breathing. Deep slow breaths help spur the creation of various hormones within your mind that are beneficial for treating stress.
You may be at an increased risk for dental anxiety. Steven Wolfson, DDS is here to help you with all your oral health needs. For a complete diagnosis from Dr. Steven Wolfson and our team at our dentist office, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at 713-789-1225. For additional oral health care treatment by a dentist in Houston, Texas, call us today. We are here to proudly keep you and your smile healthy and happy.