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Dental anxiety is one of the most common fears people have. This fear can stop you from getting the dental care you need. It can even lead to gum disease and tooth loss. Fortunately, there are many ways to ease dental fear. Here are a few tips:

Speak Up About your Fears

At our practice, you can expect to be heard and respected. Our team is trained to address any fears or concerns, and we work to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. Some patients deal with more anxiety than others, so we encourage you to speak up! If you are feeling nervous or uneasy about your upcoming visit, let us know right away so we can help ease any concerns you have.

Agree on a Signal

One common fear patients have is that they will feel like they have no control over what is happening during their appointment. Sometimes, patients may feel that they won’t know when their procedure is over, so they may experience unnecessary pain. One way we can remedy this is by having our patients agree on a signal that will let our team know if they are experiencing discomfort. This lets the patient know that they need to communicate if they need us to stop a procedure, which can help ease their fears.

Take a Trusted Person along with You

We encourage our patients to bring someone with them to their appointments. This is because having someone else in the room can be very helpful for patients who feel anxious or stressed about their treatments. Your companion can also provide you with support and relaxation during the appointment. This also helps if you are someone who feels uncomfortable discussing your procedure with strangers. Additionally, some patients need the extra reassurance of having another person nearby who can drive them home after the procedure is finished.

Bring Distractions

This is another tip that can help many patients feel more comfortable before their treatment. There are a variety of things you can do to keep your mind busy during a procedure to keep you distracted from any discomfort you may otherwise experience. For example, you can listen to your favorite music or podcast through your smartphone, read a book, or even take a nap before the treatment. 

Consider Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is used to help patients relax during dental treatments. There are different levels of care available with sedation ranging from a simple pill to IV sedation. Dentists can utilize sedation options to calm anxious patients and provide them with a more pleasant experience at the dental office.

Before scheduling any appointments for restorative dentistry treatments, you should always speak with your dentist to determine your options. Some dentists offer both oral sedation as well as nitrous oxide. Other dentists may specialize in offering different types of sedation services. It’s important that you’re comfortable with the level of sedation that will be provided during your procedure. 


Schedule an appointment with us today at Legacy Dental Clinic, contact our team today at (825) 467-8888!