5 Ways to Ease Dental Anxiety

At Southwest Smiles, we understand patients can experience dental anxiety, which can prevent them from seeking the oral healthcare they need. One of our goals is to help every patient feel relaxed and comfortable when visiting our office. Part of this involves patient education. For example, there are certain steps you can take to prepare yourself for your appointment. Try these five ways to help ease your dental anxiety!

  1. Ask Questions
  2. No matter which procedure you are visiting us for, we encourage you to ask our team any questions you may have. Sharing your concerns with our team and letting us explain what to expect can reduce your nerves and satisfy your curiosity.

  3. Bring a Friend
  4. While our friendly team will be with you, you may find comfort in also having a friend or family member join you. This person can either wait in our lobby or sit in your treatment room for moral support.

  5. Find a Distraction
  6. If seeing and hearing the dental equipment bothers you, try distracting yourself from thinking about it. You could listen to music or a podcast with headphones or squeeze a stress ball. We also have TVs in our private treatment rooms and cozy pillows and blankets.

  7. Breathing Exercises
  8. Deep breathing can improve airflow into your lungs, reduce tension in your body, and calm your mind. Close your eyes, slowly inhale, hold, then slowly exhale several times before stepping into our office. Then repeat as needed in our lobby and in the dental chair before your treatment begins.

  9. Ask About Sedation Dentistry
  10. Sedation dentistry can temporarily calm and relax your body and mind. Your dental team can help you decide if dental sedation is safe and appropriate for your situation!

Gentle Dental Care in Austin, TX

At Southwest Smiles, our friendly team offers a wide range of gentle dental services in a welcoming atmosphere. Let us know if you are worried or fearful about an upcoming treatment so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

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