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Ways To Be More Relaxed At The Dentist

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Are you the type of person that tends to get nervous about going to the dentist? If so, you may be looking for techniques that will help you relax and make the overall experience more enjoyable. Here are some tips that will help you with relaxation and anxiety.

Use Breathing Exercises

One reason why you may be nervous about sitting in the dental chair is all of the sights and sounds of the office. You will be focused on all the things going on around you, even if they are not necessarily happening to you.

It will help to perform breathing exercises in which you focus on your breathing, since it is one of the only things you can do while dental work is being performed. Try taking deep breaths through your nose, holding it for a few seconds, and then releasing your breath slowly. Focusing on your breathing can help relax your body and take your mind off of the procedure. 

Bring Headphones

If you need to drown out the sound of the dentist's office, consider bringing some headphones so that you can listen to music or a podcast during the appointment. Don't worry about your dentist thinking that you are being rude by doing this, since they understand that people do have anxiety about the dentist. If headphones are helping you get through the appointment and take care of your oral health, the dentist will be all for you zoning out during the appointment.

Use Dental Sedation

Know that you can always use sedation dentistry methods in order to make you feel more relaxed for your appointment. If you have nerves about attending your appointment, a dentist may prescribe you with medication for oral sedation. You will take a pill prior to your appointment that makes you feel more relaxed and drowsy. Unfortunately, the medication also makes you unable to drive your car. You'll need someone to take you to and from the appointment so you can get back safely.

Another option is to use nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to help you feel more relaxed. Many dental patients like nitrous oxides because the side effects are not long-lasting. Once the gas is no longer administered, you'll start feeling normal and thinking clearly, allowing you to drive your car home. Nitrous oxide is still used with novocaine to help numb parts of your mouth so you do not experience pain during the procedure.

For more information, call a family dentistry service.


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