Dental anxiety can make even a simple dental cleaning feel like an impossible task. Your palms get sweaty and your heart races when you even think about calling for an appointment. If that sounds familiar, we understand!
Dr. Alesha Khan has been an integral part of our dental team since 2015. She is passionate about working with patients who experience dental anxiety and will do whatever she can to assist you.
If you feel anxious about dental visits, let’s review some tips for overcoming this common issue.
6 Tips for Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety can keep you from getting the treatment you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy.
Here are some tips that can help:
- Communication — If you have concerns about giving up control when you visit our office, we encourage you to talk to us about it. We can discuss your fears and explain your procedure in detail, making it seem less scary. And if you need a break during treatment, we’ll arrange a hand signal, giving you more control of the situation.
- Relaxation — One of the best ways to reduce dental anxiety is to practice deep breathing. We recommend a deep breath through your nose. Then, hold that breath for a few seconds before exhaling through your mouth slowly. This calms your nervous system.
- Distractions — Try listening to music or a podcast during your treatment. Sometimes, visualizing a sandy beach or other pleasant location can keep your mind off the task at hand.
- Support — For many patients, having a support person with them can put their mind at ease, so consider bringing a friend or relative with you to your appointment.
- Timing — It might be a good idea to schedule your appointment early in the morning. That way, you won’t spend the entire day worrying about it; this can cause increased anxiety.
- Check reviews — Look for a dental office that understands anxiety and offers helpful solutions. Dr. Ayesha Khan, DMD, is a great resource, and she genuinely wants to help you.
Dental Anxiety in Chicago, IL?
If you or a loved one has dental anxiety, Ayesha Khan, DMD, would love to speak with you and help you manage your fears about going to the dentist. Dr. Khan and the entire team at George Rivera, DDS, can help you get the care you deserve and restore your oral health.
To schedule a consultation or appointment, you can reach us at (630) 592-4949.