1. FIND THE RIGHT DENTIST AND DISCUSS YOUR ANXIETY

Lots of times, dental anxiety happens because you’ve had a past dentist who didn’t listen to you, caused you pain, or otherwise put you through an unpleasant dental experience. So it’s important to find a dentist who will make you feel welcome, comfortable, and like you’re being listened to. 

At ONE ENDO, we’re proud to offer an office that’s a judgment-free zone. Our doctors are happy to meet with you before your appointment, discuss the sources of your anxiety, and recommend coping strategies that may help you get the care you need with less discomfort. 

2. BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU TO THE DENTIST’S OFFICE 

Having a loved one with you while you wait for your appointment can make things more comfortable, and distract you while you’re in the waiting room. And in some cases, your loved one may also be able to come into the operatory with you while you’re having your dental procedure done at ONE ENDO. Either way, knowing that someone who cares about you is close by can help ease anxiety and make you feel more comfortable.

3. LISTEN TO MUSIC OR PODCASTS WHILE YOU’RE IN THE DENTIST’S CHAIR

The sounds of the dentist, like dental drills, can be scary and anxiety-inducing for lots of people. So if you’re nervous, bring in headphones and listen to some of your favorite music or a podcast while you’re getting your procedure done at ONE ENDO. This will help block out potentially unpleasant sounds, and it will provide a welcome distraction, too!

4. TRY BREATHING EXERCISES TO RELIEVE YOUR ANXIETY

Focused breathing can help you relax. Taking rapid, shallow breaths is common when you’re anxious, but this will usually just make you feel worse. Focus on your breathing, and breathe slowly and deeply to help yourself stay calm. Breathing deeply, even for just a few minutes, can help you refocus yourself and fight back against anxiety.

5. CONSIDER DENTAL SEDATION TO KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE

Sedation dentistry helps you stay comfortable and relaxed in the dentist’s chair, so it’s an ideal choice for patients with anxiety. We offer lots of different dental sedation options at ONE ENDO. 

• Laughing gas – With laughing gas, you’ll remain fully conscious and in control. But you will feel much less nervous, and you will be able to relax throughout your appointment. It also wears off in just a few minutes after treatment, so you can drive yourself home.
  
  
• Oral conscious sedation – With oral conscious sedation, you’ll take a powerful sedative pill before your appointment. You will feel groggy, and you may even fall asleep during your appointment. You also may forget most of what happened during your procedure. You won’t be unconscious, though, and you can still be woken up and respond to commands.
  
  
• General anesthesia – With general anesthesia, you will be completely unconscious for your entire procedure. We typically only use this type of sedation for very invasive surgeries, since it’s significantly more complex and expensive compared to oral conscious sedation.

GOT DENTAL ANXIETY? GET EXPERT CARE AT ONE ENDO – WE’RE HERE TO HELP

At ONE ENDO, our goal is always to make you feel welcomed and cared for, and to help you get the treatment you need for a healthy mouth. Even if you have severe dental anxiety, we can help with judgment-free care and dental sedation. So don't wait, and don’t put off your dental health. Contact our Westchester, Norwalk, or Greenwich office now to get the care you need.