Afraid of Going to the Dentist? Learn to Combat Dental Anxiety in Columbia, SC

Visiting the dentist should be a breeze. Picture this: you're reclined in a cozy chair, your favorite tunes playing softly in the background, perhaps catching up on your latest Netflix obsession, all while attentive staff cater to your every need. Your only task? Sit back, relax, and let the skilled dentist work their magic.

But when you're being treated, you can't see what the dentist is doing. Your mouth is wide open. You might feel vulnerable and powerless, and there's always the possibility that something painful might occur.

Many patients dread this experience. They'll sweat, tremble, cry, and hyperventilate. Sometimes they get so anxious that they avoid care altogether.

This is known as dental anxiety, and it can be quite debilitating. Patients may find it impossible to muster the courage to make an appointment. They might ignore serious conditions or endure dental pain without seeking the necessary treatment altogether.

But there is a solution. Dr. Robert Guerriero and his team at Soda City Dentistry in Columbia, SC, have compiled several tips and techniques to ensure that your trip to the dentist is comfortable and stress-free.

Step One: Know When to Seek Care 

When you’re facing a dental issue, you might be tempted to pass it off, ignore it, and hope it will go away. But if it’s obvious that you’re experiencing symptoms, you might have to face your fears and confront your anxiety. This is especially the case with swelling, bleeding, and chronic, severe, or sudden pain. 

You might have a dental abscess or some other type of infection that could require same-day care or even a root canal. That's not uncommon, especially in patients who neglect their oral health. Take the safe option: find out what's happening and address the problem promptly.

Step Two: Getting Ready for the Appointment

We’ve all done it–hit the snooze button, rolled over, and gone back to sleep, only to wake up half an hour before a morning appointment. You rush, grab everything as fast as you can, and run out the door. 

As soon as you get on the road, every red light seems to come on at once, and you just can’t seem to get the car ahead of you to go any faster. There’s nothing more stressful. 

That is not how you get past dental anxiety. The night before your appointment, go to bed on time. Make sure you have everything ready for the next day and mentally prepare yourself for what’s to come. If you’re already anxious before you arrive, your anxiety will only worsen during your appointment. 

Step 3: Addressing Your Anxiety

Anxiety might not be the most pleasurable experience, but it has its purpose. It’s meant to keep the body tense and ready, while the mind stays sharp and alert in anticipation of harm. 

We know the result: tense muscles, a sense of being overwhelmed, and unwelcome thoughts. We’ll dwell on all of the terrible things that can happen, and our bodies will react, shaking, trembling–heart racing like a beating drum. 

This process has to be stopped in its tracks and the best way to do that is through relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. 

Breath is one of the mind’s most important tools. ‍

Breathing Exercises

At one time, scientists scoffed at the idea of using breathing exercises in medicine. But their benefits have since been thoroughly vetted, and they may very well be exactly what you need to get through your appointment. 

Diaphragmatic breathing is the simplest exercise you can use. When we’re stressed, we take short, shallow breaths from the top of our chest. Try to recognize that pattern in yourself and instead pull in air by pushing out your diaphragm. When you exhale, your diaphragm should fall. You can start doing this on your way to your appointment and continue doing it while you’re seated in the dental chair. 

Timed breathing is another common practice, which takes its origins in ancient yoga. It’s particularly useful because it’s known to distract the mind. If you’re feeling a burst of anxiety before you enter the office, take a moment to rest, find a comfortable position and focus your attention on your breathing. 

‍Inhale for four seconds. 

Hold your breath for four seconds. 

Exhale for four seconds. 

Hold for four seconds. 

Repeat this pattern until you feel perfectly relaxed. 

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Not everyone responds well to breathing exercises. Sometimes they can’t get their heart to stop racing, or they keep focusing on what’s to come. Progressive muscle relaxation is the perfect alternative because it forces the body to relax, even when the mind won’t let it. 

Find a comfortable position, sitting or lying down, and clench your face muscles as hard as you can for as long as you can, and then release. Do this with your neck, your shoulders, your arms, your hands, your stomach–clenching each muscle as hard as you can before releasing. Continue the exercise by progressively moving lower until you reach your feet and toes. 

When you're finished, your body should feel limp and relaxed. To enhance the effect, try following up with diaphragmatic or timed breathing. This exercise is best performed before you walk into the office. It will give you a fresh start that will allow you to get through the rest of the appointment. 

Find Support to Ease Your Anxiety at Soda City Dentistry

It might be a good idea to bring a friend to your appointment, someone who can sit with you in the waiting room or stay by your side when you go back.

You should also tell your dentist what’s going on. There are things that we can do to make you feel comfortable and safe. We could designate a safe word to signal the staff when it’s time to pause and give you a moment, and we could do our best to describe what’s happening. That way there won’t be any unpleasant surprises. 

At Soda City Dentistry in Columbia, SC, we understand the significance of addressing dental anxiety, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure your comfort and minimize any discomfort during procedures. Don't just take our word for it – check out our reviews. We're renowned for our ability to alleviate dental anxiety in patients, utilizing the latest technology to make each treatment as painless as possible. If you're feeling apprehensive about dental treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Guerriero, and rest assured, we'll do everything in our power to ease your tension and make your experience a positive one.

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