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Posted on 12/10/2017 by Allan Hablutzel |
According to statistics, about 9% to 15% of Americans refuse to have dental checkups because of anxiety and fear.
Studies revealed that one of the primary causes of dental anxiety is the fear of loss of control considering that patients feel powerless and clueless when they are seated in the dental chair since they do not know what is going on and what the dentist would do next. To counter such fear, it is best that patients are informed about the procedure complete with graphics and videos if possible. Research shows that this method eases the patient's anxiety level and increases his level of engagement. Other Ways to Manage Dental AnxietyIf you are one of the millions of people who are experiencing dental anxiety, be assured that there are many things that you can do to help you cope with it. Apart from educating yourself about the various dental procedures and the importance of dental health, you can also benefit from a bit of distraction while you are stuck in the dental chair.Bring your mobile phone and earphone and try to listen to your favorite music or an interesting e-book while you are undergoing a dental procedure to keep your mind off your fears. You can also come to your appointment with a trusted friend and have something exciting planned afterward so that you have something to look forward to that would help to motivate you to do whatever you need to at the dental clinic to get it over and done with. Doing breathing exercises and thinking about your "happy place" or happy moments can also help you relax and relieve stress. If you are still anxious during your visit, just be honest with us about your feelings so we can help you get over your fears. We can work together to help you feel more at ease so that your dental visit would be fruitful and productive. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (360) 373-3515 today. |