Dental anxiety can be difficult to overcome but it’s important to address the issue. Roughly one-fifth of adults in America avoid the dentist due to their fear and anxiety. This can negatively impact your oral and overall health. This is especially true if you have a serious dental issue that requires a root canal. Root canals have had a bad reputation, but modern advancements in the field of dentistry have made the procedure so much easier, smoother, and pain-free. Below you will find the best ways to avoid root canal anxiety.
Ways to Avoid Root Canal Anxiety
Avoiding a root canal can result in grave health issues, including death. It is important to overcome your root canal anxiety to get the necessary dental treatment. Consider the following ways to manage your root canal anxiety.
Get Informed:
One of the best ways to overcome your root canal anxiety is to educate yourself on the procedure and why it is necessary. So many people have an unrealistic understanding of the procedure. This lack of knowledge can case a lot of understandable fear. However, it’s important to get informed and let your dentist know about your fears. They can walk you through the process and prepare you for your appointment.
Long-Term Benefits:
Taking care of dental issues early can help you avoid extra visits to the dentist in the future. It is recommended that you visit the dentist at least every six months. However, those with gum disease or other dental issues need to visit the more often, in addition to having more dental procedures. Avoiding the dentist leads to more dental issues and visits so be proactive about your oral health.
Future Plans:
One of the best ways to get through a difficult time is by planning something afterward. Schedule your procedure in the morning so you can get up and go right to the dentist’s office. Plan something for your afternoon so you can look forward to that instead of your root canal appointment. Consider going to a movie, reading a new book, or even spending time with friends or family.
Bring a Friend:
If you have a trusted friend or family member, have them come with you to the visit. They can help relieve some of your stress and take your mind off of the procedure. Let your friend or family know your fears in advance so they are prepared to provide you with their full support.
Medication:
Talk with your medical provider about your root canal in Montclair. Share your fear and anxiety and see what they can provide for you. In some cases, your doctor may be able to prescribe you with short-acting anti-anxiety medication specifically for your appointment. This can help reduce your anxiety and get your through the procedure. Be sure and inform your dentist so they understand what medication you are on the day of the appointment.
Meditation or Talk Therapy:
If none of the other methods work, consider meditation or talk therapy. Meditation can help with relaxation and improve your mindset. If it works, you can even talk with your dentist about wearing your headphones during the procedure to remain calm. Some people have a massive amount of dental anxiety which may require talk therapy. If you are unable to attend your dental appointment, contact a therapist. They can help you prepare for your treatment and work on skills that will help you reduce your anxiety so you can attend your regular dental visits.
Monte Vista Dental Group in Montclair
If you haven’t been to the dentists in the last six months, contact the dentists at Monte Vista Dental Group. They are skilled in a variety of dental treatments, including root canals. Contact the Monte Viste Dental Group in Montclair today for an appointment!