Many patients avoid going to the dentist because they have a fear of pain or fear from a previous trauma. While these concerns are common, they are potentially dangerous. If you are avoiding going to the dentist due to dental anxiety, you are putting your health at risk because regular dentist visits are essential to good overall physical health. Your Lake Forest dentist, Dr. Fondriest, would like to share with you some tips for alleviating dental anxiety.
Relaxation for dental anxiety
One way to ease dental fear is through relaxation, which can take several forms. Some people use music to distract and soothe their nerves. If this works for you, bring an MP3 player and headphones to your next dental appointment and tune out your surroundings. Before you know it, your procedure will be over.
Another method of relaxation is through breathing exercises. Inhaling and exhaling deeply and rhythmically is a reliable method of stress management for many people, including patients with dental anxiety. Here is one breathing exercise for you to use on your next visit to your Lake Forest dentist:
- Lie back in the exam chair.
- Place one hand on your stomach and one on your chest.
- Breathe deeply through your nose. Observe your stomach pushing your hand up. Your chest should not be moving.
- Purse your lips and breathe out. Feel the stomach shrink as your breath leaves your body.
- Repeat as many times as needed to relax. Inhale and exhale slowly.
Finding the Right Dentist
Using relaxation methods to manage your fears can be very effective. However, one of the key ingredients to alleviating dental anxiety permanently is finding the right dentist. Dr. Fondriest at Lake Forest Dental Arts works hard to develop mutual trust with his patients. They can rely on him to provide quality dental care with minimal discomfort. As a patient of Dr. Fondriest, you can rest assured that your fears are understood, and will be managed respectfully.
For more information about how Dr. Fondriest can help address dental anxiety issues, contact Lake Forest Dental Arts at 847-234-0517. We serve the Chicago, Illinois area.