Can you learn to be fearless about dental appointments? About 5% of adults in the U.S. suffer from severe fear of the dentist and countless others experience mild to moderate anxiety before their appointments. Swedish researchers have found that optimism on the part of the patient and humorous interactions with the dentist and dental office staff are an important part of managing stress during a dental appointment.

The University of Gothenberg identified  these methods used by patients to combat their dental anxiety:

• Internal strength – Repeat to yourself that you are strong enough to do this despite your fear
• Distraction – Play mental games, sing to yourself, keep the mind busy
• Prayer – Divine intervention may not heal your cavity but prayer offers many anxiety reduction.
• Optimism – I’m going to reward myself when this is done.
• Distancing – Mentally removing yourself from the situation – think of your favorite beach.

Humor proved to be a great stress reducer.  It seems to help if your dentist is funny – and no, looks don’t count!

Probably the best tool we have for handling dental anxiety is sedation dentistry. At StoneRidge Dental Care we offer dentistry using nitrous oxide or with “a little pill” to allow our patients to get the treatment they desperately need without feeling fearful. The type of sedation that is best for you will depend upon your level of anxiety and your health. It is possible to wipe away years of dental neglect in just a couple of visits using sedation dentistry.

Please contact our Columbus, OH area office today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your appointment.