According to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, up to 40 million Americans avoid going to the dentist because of excessive anxiety and fear. The fear stems from different areas, including anticipating pain, thinking of negative memories from previous visits, or being triggered by the sterile smell. At the Chicago Dental Arts, our dentist in Chicago is constantly striving to make our patients feel comfortable at all times. We want to provide our patients with some tips on how to stay calm and make the most out of the dental experience.
Express Your Fears
Hiding your fears is one of the worst ways to increase your dental anxiety. If you let our team know that you are feeling uncomfortable, we will adjust any treatment options to make you feel more comfortable.
Listen to Music
Music is one of the easiest ways to block out bothersome noises and relax while you are in the dental chair. Feel free to listen to your favorite playlist while you are in our office!
Practice Breathing Exercises
It’s natural for people to hold their breath when they get nervous. This decreases oxygen levels which can trigger even more feelings of panic. Meditation and breathing exercises can help reduce your feelings of anxiety and bring down your stress levels.
Book a Low-Stress Appointment Time
Feeling rushed or overwhelmed by too many people at the dental office at once can result in even more panic. Book an appointment time with our dentist in Chicago that isn’t as busy to help reduce your fears.
The dentist doesn’t have to be a place filled with anxiety! Our team can help you work through your dental anxiety to ensure you have a healthy and confident smile.
