How To Deal With Dental Anxiety

Dec 31st, 2018
Easton Dentists Dec 31st, 2018

It’s almost time to schedule your 6-month cleaning and the dread of seeing a dentist keeps holding you back. While dental anxiety might seem like an impossible battle to overcome, it’s important to know that you and 75% of the American population can cope with the fear of dental appointments. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, three out of four people in the U.S. have encountered dental anxiety at some point in their lives. Although dental anxiety is very common among patients, it’s important to seek ways to manage constant fear, especially if it keeps you from pursuing crucial dental treatment. The good news is that there are many steps that can be taken to eliminate dental anxiety and improve your overall experience at the dentist.

 

1. Find A Trustworthy Dentist

When you’re looking for a Dentist, it’s critical that you chose a dental professional who also cares about the best interest of you and your health. Is the dental office convenient to your work or home? Are they in-network with your Dental Insurance? Do they offer reasonable payment plans? Does the dental staff educate their patients and give appropriate dental instruction? Do you feel welcomed from the moment you step into the dentist office? These are all questions you should ask yourself when seeking the best Dentist for you and your dental anxiety. When you are comfortable with the cost of treatment and the quality of patient interaction, you can feel at ease that your care is in the hands of a trusted dental professional.

 

2. Express Your Concern

Like most anxieties, the first step to overcoming fear is discussing the issue at hand. Some patients are afraid of needles while others worry about the cost of the visit. Some people avoid the dentist because they’ve had poor experiences in the past. Whatever the concern, be sure to inform your Dentist and the staff that you have dental anxiety. Doing so will help them proceed treatment with attentiveness, making you feel more comfortable when sitting in the dental chair.

 

3. Understand The Treatment

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If the dentist is using a tool that is unfamiliar to you, don’t hesitate to become knowledgeable and fully understand their dental procedures. When reviewing a treatment plan with a Dentist, ask as many questions as you need to ensure that you fully comprehend the course of action. It’s important to stay educated at all times so that you know what to expect before your appointment.

 

4. Don’t Go Alone

Sometimes people with dental anxiety feel more comfortable with other people around. Bring your spouse, mom, dad or friend to help keep your anxiety at bay. Talking with someone that you feel comfortable with can help manage the level of nervousness that you might otherwise experience alone.

 

5. Use Relaxation Techniques

Anxiety is effectively treated through many different relaxation techniques. This is also true for dental anxiety. Use deep breathing methods before, during and after the dental appointment to help manage the degree of dental anxiety. Find other distractions that steer your attention from the actual fear itself. For example, playing a game on your phone or reading a magazine in the waiting room helps steer your focus on a different activity. Whatever it is that distracts your anxious mind from the root of your dental fears, use it as a tool to overcome dental anxiety.

If you are delaying dental treatment because of anxiety, don’t let the problem take over your health. It might be comforting to know that modern dental treatment is significantly gentler, softer, and quieter than it has been notorious for in the past. By neglecting routine dental care, you are also risking the chances of oral pain, tooth decay, and other dental health issues down the road. Dental anxiety can be managed, so take a deep breath and beat the stress.

 

6. Sedation

Should none of the above mentioned suggestions work for you, maybe you should consider sedation dentistry.

Most Popular Cosmetic Procedure

Dec 31st, 2018
Easton Dentists Dec 31st, 2018

Cosmetic dentistry is on the rise and for good reason. Cosmetic dental procedures refer to any dental work that is used to improve the appearance of the patient’s smile. The most common cosmetic services are usually provided at a dental office and specifically focus on improving the alignment, positioning, size and color of the teeth. In addition, some cosmetic dental procedures can also be used to provide restorative benefits. Between teeth discoloration, gaps, and misalignment, cosmetic dentistry can correct a variety of oral flaws. With such a wide range of dentistry services to choose from, there are many ways to help improve, restore or enhance the appearance of your teeth.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening is a very common cosmetic procedure used to treat tooth discoloration. Teeth whitening is often performed by using bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, to restore the tooth’s natural color. There is a false perception that certain toothpastes can have a whitening effect when used consistently. Unfortunately, most stains need the help of a trained dental hygienist or dentist in order to enhance the whitening of an off-colored smile. Whether the stains are a result from an illness or by consuming dark-colored food and beverages, opting for a professional teeth whitening procedure can ensure that you are receiving the safest and highest quality of cosmetic oral care. While different teeth whitening methods are available, professional whitening can provide quicker and longer lasting results.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is typically designed to permanently replace missing teeth. This cosmetic procedure involves a metal screw that is surgically positioned into the jawbone to act as an anchor for an artificial tooth. Many people opt for dental implants because it is a great long-term solution to a very common dental problem. Dental implants come in many different shapes and sizes, which is why it’s important to consult with a dental professional to help determine the best type of implant for you.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are a popular way to treat cracks and chips that form from worn enamel or damaged teeth. The cosmetic procedure of bonding porcelain veneers includes the act of reshaping, repairing, lengthening, or shortening teeth. Porcelain veneers can also help hide the worn enamel or closing unwanted gaps between the teeth. Porcelain veneers cover the surface of the damaged tooth with a thin layer of composite that gives it a more natural appearance. This procedure can serve both a functional and aesthetic role, as veneers can help protect the tooth as well as enhance a smile.

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding is a common procedure that is performed by applying a top layer of thin plastic to the teeth. For patients who have worn enamel, the plastic acts as a strong, artificial layer while also protecting the surface and improving the aesthetics of the tooth. The materials used for cosmetic bonding can match many different tooth shades and colors, making it a very popular option for those who struggle with discolored teeth. Like veneers, cosmetic bonding is typically used to restore cracks, chips, or decay.

Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures that can help both children and adults straighten their smiles. Although traditional braces are often a common choice, Invisalign is considered a more convenient and aesthetic method to straightening teeth. Invisalign is a custom-made, removable aligner that can be taken out while brushing, flossing, eating or drinking. Invisalign is easily removed and hardly noticeable, making it a convenient option for those who don’t like the look of braces.

A confident smile can go a long way, both physically and mentally. That’s why it is important to take action on the cosmetic dental flaws that get you down. Whether you are looking to brighten your smile or straighten your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can help improve your quality of life. With the many different cosmetic procedures to choose from, there are countless ways to address your oral concerns. By consulting with a trusted dentist about the best cosmetic procedures for your smile, you are one step closer to restoring your confidence and living a healthier, happier life.

How Stress Affects Oral Health

Dec 21st, 2018
Easton Dentists Dec 21st, 2018

Most of our patients know a thing or two about stress. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, or a brief stressful life circumstance, we all encounter it from time to time. Most people associate stress with heart attacks or ulcers, but do you know how stress can affect your oral health?

Stress may negatively affect your oral health in indirect ways.

For starters, stress can cause folks to reach for coping strategies that aren’t so good for your teeth (or the rest of your body).

Junk food, sweets, cigarettes, or alcohol are just a few examples. When these substances interact with your teeth, they can do a lot of damage in the way of gum disease and tooth decay.

Secondly, when we are stressed, we tend to stop making positive health behaviors a priority. Let’s say you’re in the hospital after a car accident; your brushing and flossing routine will not be forefront on your mind.

Even a minor bout of stress from a tough day can have us reaching for our cozy bed and some relieve instead of taking the time to brush first.

And of course, keeping up with routine dental visits may fall completely off our priority list while under stress. This can prevent us from finding the early signs of decay and can cause more pain and stress later on.

How does stress affect our mouths directly?

Well, lots of folks grind their teeth as a physical way to deal with stress. You may be doing it without even realizing it! Ask a partner or someone who knows you well to tell you if you have this habit. Many of our patients benefit from wearing a mouth guard at night to protect against the damage of grinding their teeth. It protects wear and tear damage and alleviates muscle tension from the forces exerted when tightly clenching your jaw.

Also, when we are stressed we have higher levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, that put our body in a “flight or fight” state. This causes our blood pressure and blood sugar to increase, and our digestive and immune function to decrease. When our immune system isn’t functioning as it should, this can make periodontal disease more likely. It can also slow down the healing of other oral issues or injuries we may have.

What can you do about it?

The best thing you can do to prevent the stress of oral health issues is to maintain good dental hygiene and visit us regularly for routine visits. We want what’s best for you — and that includes a healthy mouth for a lifetime! Schedule an appointment today!