Overcome Your Dental Anxiety and Fear With Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser
It’s all well and good for someone to tell you ‘not to be nervous when going to the dentist but thinking it doesn’t always translate into feeling it. However, more than a few tips can help you conquer your fears and dental anxiety. Before seeing the best dentist in Los Angeles, read up on these surefire ways to help you lose your phobia of coming to an oral health professional.
Are you the kind of person who avoids going to the dentist because the thought of having to sit down in that big chair makes you feel queasy? Firstly, let us tell you that you certainly aren’t alone. Did you know that a staggering 22% of all Americans cite fear and dental anxiety as their primary reason for not keeping regular appointments with a dentist? Most of us can understand this phobia because we have all experienced it to some degree, but when your oral health is at stake, there comes a point when you can no longer avoid an appointment and have to push through for a thorough examination.
Find the Best Dentist in Los Angeles That Specializes in Dental Anxiety
Believe it or not, some dentists specialize in catering to patients with a fear or phobia of oral treatment. It is worth researching nearby surgeries to see if they have a specific mission statement on their websites. When we say specializing in nervous patients, it can generally mean offering light pain relief for simple things like examinations, allowing friends or family members to enter the appointment room with you, and generally just being trained to offer a higher level of compassion than some other clinics.
Make Sure You Communicate Your Dental Anxiety
The truth is that your dentist is not a mind reader, so the more you can communicate to them that you are nervous and fearful, the more they will accommodate you. There is no point in putting on a brave face because it will only lead to more dental anxiety and trauma for you if your dentist thinks you can take more than you actually can. Always be honest and open about your feelings, resulting in a much more compassionate and slow-paced appointment.
Opt for Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Mobasser also recommends IV sedation dentistry for his medically compromised patients who suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, and other medical complications. Of course, a complete consultation with Dr. Mobasser and his Anesthesiologist is necessary.
Schedule Your Appointments in Advance
If you know you will be worried about your appointment, schedule it well in advance to give your mind and body time to get used to it. You could even go to the dentist’s surgery a day before your appointment to meet the dentist and get used to the surroundings. Doing this will take a little bit of pressure off of the appointment day, and you won’t feel so nervous about being in unfamiliar surroundings on top of the actual feat of the oral treatment.
Start with A Clean and Polish
Many nervous patients address their fears by arranging a simple, clean and polished appointment before committing to anything more extensive. Clean and polish treatments are completely painless and stress-free, and booking yourself in for one can help you to get used to sitting back in the dentist’s chair, as well as giving you a chance to get to know the dentist before they have to do anything more heavy-duty to your mouth.
Book an Appointment for Early in The Morning
Rather than waiting around all day and building up your nerves and dental anxiety, it is always better to schedule your dentist appointment early in the morning. It means that you don’t have to think about it all day, and it also means that you stand less of a chance of being delayed by other appointments in the day that start to run over.
Bring Music to Listen to In the Chair
For many people, the sounds of the dentist’s surgery strike the most fear. You can combat this experience by bringing headphones and listening to your favorite playlist while the dentist gets to work. With your mouth open, eyes closed, and music blaring, you can kiss your dental anxiety goodbye as you pretend that you are somewhere else, more enjoyable!
Bring A Friend or Family Member
It doesn’t matter how old you happen to be; we all like to hold someone’s hand for support once in a while! You should never feel embarrassed about wanting a friend or family member to attend your appointment. Your dentist will not have a problem with it, and if having someone’s hand squeeze can help you get through the examination more calmly, you should do it.
Dental Anxiety is More Common Than You Might Think
Believe it or not, dental anxiety is far more common than most people think. A recent study by the Cleveland Clinic shows that about 36% of people in the United States fear dental treatment.
The bottom line is that your oral health will suffer if you don’t pay regular visits to the best dentist in Los Angeles, and you might end up requiring treatment that is far more invasive than a routine checkup if you put it off. Let Dr. Anthony Mobasser help you relax in his calm boutique practice setting, and remember, a checkup is recommended twice a year.
