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We know that visiting the dentist can be a little nerve-wracking, even if you’re just going in for a regular check-up. Your dentist will do everything they can to help you relax, but it’s completely normal to still feel a little anxious about it. Luckily, there are a lot of ways to help control your anxiety whenever you're at your dentist’s office. We’ll go over tips about arriving at your appointment and move on to some suggestions on how to relieve your nervousness during your procedure.
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QuestionHow can I feel less anxious for my first appointment with a new dentist?Dr. Alina Lane is a Dentist who runs All Smiles Dentistry, a general practice dental office based in New York City. After completing a DDS at the University of Maryland, Dr. Lane completed a year-long clerkship in Implantology at the University of Maryland, where she focused on the advanced restoration of dental implants. She continued her advanced education by completing a General Practice Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, an affiliate of the NYU School of Medicine. She received the Woodhull Medical Center Resident of the Year 2012-2013.If you suffer from fear of going to the dentist, it may help to keep your first visit as short and sweet as possible. A first visit generally consists of a dentist performing an exam to evaluate your oral health, x-rays, and a cleaning. If you suffer from sensitive teeth or gums, you will want to inform your dentist or hygienist so they can be considerate of your sensitivity and minimize any discomfort. Topical or local anesthesia may also be used to help numb your mouth during treatments, so you are more comfortable during treatment. If you suffer from extreme anxiety, you may want your doctor to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication that you take the night before or day of the appointment.
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- You’ll be more sensitive to pain if you’re anxious about your visit, so do everything you can to relax so your appointment goes smoothly and pain-free. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to sourceThanks
- Look for a dentist that works with a lot of anxious patients since they’ll be able to help calm your nerves even better. [20] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to sourceThanks
- Make sure you visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. That way, you get used to all of the tools and procedures so you’re less likely to feel anxious. [21] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/fear-of-the-dentist-help/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dental-fear-our-readers-suggest-coping-techniques-20100825327
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drills-needles-and-pain-oh-my-coping-with-dental-anxiety-2019121818475
- ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/anxiety/
- ↑ Alina Lane, DDS. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4790493/
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/dental-anxiety-and-phobia
- ↑ https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Education%20and%20Careers/Files/ADA_Sedation_Teaching_Guidelines.pdf?la=en
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolution-the-self/201802/how-overcome-dental-anxiety
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drills-needles-and-pain-oh-my-coping-with-dental-anxiety-2019121818475
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4790493/
- ↑ https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/anxiety/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dental-fear-our-readers-suggest-coping-techniques-20100825327
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/dental-fear-our-readers-suggest-coping-techniques-20100825327
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drills-needles-and-pain-oh-my-coping-with-dental-anxiety-2019121818475
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1993866/
- ↑ Alina Lane, DDS. Board Certified Dentist. Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/dental-anxiety-and-phobia
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4790493/
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/fear-of-the-dentist-help/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drills-needles-and-pain-oh-my-coping-with-dental-anxiety-2019121818475
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