Dental Fear and Anxiety

Time of Day

You should schedule the appointment at a time when you feel most relaxed.

Try to choose a time for your dental visit when you’re less likely to be rushed or under pressure. Block out an hour before and after your dental appointment so that you have plenty of time.

It is also a good idea to check with the dental receptionist as to the practice’s busiest periods so you can avoid waiting, and the dentist and staff have more time to help you.

Share your Anxiety

It’s often best to be open about your fears. If you’re tense or anxious, tell our dentist and the dental staff. Getting your concerns out in the open will let us adapt the treatment to your needs.

If the sound of the drill bothers you, bring a portable audio player and headset so you can listen to your favorite music. During the dental visit you might try visualizing yourself relaxing on a warm beach.

Extent of Treatment

The first appointment should really be used to build rapport with your dentist, and allow him or her to alleviate some of your fears.

• Timing: Our dentist will let you go at your own pace.
• Control: A useful way of making sure you feel in control is to discuss a signal- such as a raised hand- that lets us know that you need to stop for a break.
• Specific Concerns: Make sure you tell our dentist if there are any specific areas that make you anxious, or if you have had traumatic experiences with dentistry in the past.

Support

Request to sit in while the dentist treats another friend or family member so that you can become accustomed to the environment.

Some people find that taking a friend or close family member along, (either to meet the dentist for the first time, or during treatment to hold their hand (or both), is very helpful to get over the dental fear and anxiety. You may also want to bring someone along to keep you company in the waiting room.