While most people don’t enjoy going to the dentist, some suffer from extreme anxiety or fear when they’re in the dental chair. This makes it difficult to get any necessary dental treatments. Blome Family Dentistry will do everything they can to make their patients feel comfortable at their Lincoln, NE, dental office. Here, this family dentist offers some tips on overcoming your fears.

5 Tips for Overcoming Anxiety at the Dentist

1. Communication

The most important thing you can do is to communicate your worries and feelings to your family dentist. Together, you can devise a way to come up with a plan that works for you. For example, you can establish hand signals that will indicate you need a break.

2. Take It Slow

If you’re afraid of dental treatments, it’s not a good idea to start with a root canal unless it’s absolutely necessary. To help you learn to trust your family dentist, you should take it one baby step at a time. During your first appointment, you may just want to start with a checkup and graduate to a simple tooth filling. Schedule your appointment early in the morning, so you don’t spend time dreading it all day.

3. Bring Reinforcements

It’s a good idea to bring a good friend or family member to your dental appointments who can offer moral support. You may be able to hold their hand during the procedure or at least know that they’re right there with you in the same room.

4. Consider Sedatives

Many dental treatments include anesthesia to numb the pain, but there are also sedatives available that will calm your nerves before you sit down in the dental chair. It’s a good idea to talk to your dentist and find out what’s available for you. Children can also benefit from nitrous oxide to keep them calm and relaxed during the treatment.

5. Use Distraction or Relaxation

You can practice deep breathing techniques at home to help you stay calm in the dental chair. Another option is to use distraction. Some dental offices have a TV screen on the ceiling allowing you to watch a movie during treatments. You can also use earplugs to listen to calming music.

The most important thing for reducing your fears is to pick an understanding family dentist. The entire team at Blome Family Dentistry is there to make you feel comfortable. Give them a call at (402) 483-7000 to make an appointment for a checkup and consultation. For more information about the services they offer, visit their website.