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Dental anxiety is a common affliction for many patients, but there are a few strategies, such as sedation dentistry, that can help alleviate mild to severe dental anxiety. From calming breaths and open communication to sedation dentistry in Belmont, ask your dentist about the many ways he or she can help you through your dental fears.

Be Honest with Your Dentist

Dentists understand that their patients may experience mild to severe anxiety when they come in for an exam or procedure. One of the best ways to calm your anxiety is to talk about it with your dentist and dental assistants. Once they know how you feel, they can take steps to help you remain calm throughout the appointment. These steps might include telling you everything they are doing before they do it. Some dentists also offer headphones with music or even video glasses to watch a movie; these are helpful to distract a patient while the dentist performs the procedure.

Develop a Shorthand

You may also suggest a type of shorthand or quick means of communication with your dentist. Since you cannot speak well during an exam or procedure, make sure your dentist knows how you will communicate if you feel any pain or bout of nerves. Most often, patients will raise a hand if they need to stop for a minute, or if they feel the anesthesia needs to be adjusted.

Consider Sedation Dentistry

Dentists across the country are offering sedation dentistry to those with dental anxiety, busy lives, or the need for extensive procedures. Sedation dentistry is a form of dentistry wherein the patient is given medication that relaxes him or her during the procedure. Most medications will allow the patient to stay aware, but some may become so comfortable that they drift off during their procedure. If you have severe dental anxiety, then sedation dentistry may be the perfect solution. You can maintain a beautiful and healthy smile, all while feeling completely safe and calm in the dentist’s chair.