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Do you feel anxious before every dentist appointment? Are you sick to your stomach or do you have sweaty palms? If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you should know that there are ways to quell dental anxiety and make your dental experience a lot more tolerable. For some people, the fear of going to the dentist or undergoing a dental procedure is so severe that they lose sleep at night and worry excessively about what might happen at the dentist's office. From proper communication to support groups, there are a wide variety of treatments and coping methods for overcoming dental anxiety. Dental Anxiety Affects Your Overall Health Skipping your regular dental visits can leave your teeth vulnerable to tooth decay, which can result in bad breath. As a result, your self-confidence is compromised, which can limit your social interactions. It is one thing when anxiety affects your relationships, but it is something else altogether when it begins to impact your physical well-being. The health consequences of dental anxieties are very real and can be very serious. If you continue to put off dental visits, your teeth and gums can become chronically infected. It can also: * affect your ability to chew and digest properly
* affect your speech patterns
* lead to heart disease Maintain Proper Communication Talking with your dentist is the key to eliminating dental fear. With advancements in dentistry, your treatment can be virtually painless. This is why taking the time to discuss your fears with your dentist is important as it can open up other possibilities for treatment options. You can also feel more in control if you take an active part in the decisions about your treatment. Your dentist in Sandy will discuss with you all of the procedures you may need. Depending on the procedures needed, you may be able to have several completed at one time or in a series of shorter appointments. While in your appointment, ask your dentist to describe the types of pain control available and then decide which would be best for you. You may feel embarrassed to discuss your fears, but remember that you are not alone. These fears are not uncommon. Once your dentist knows what the issues are, they will be better able to find appropriate solutions for your treatment. Take a Deep Breath and Relax When you are tense or upset your body releases "stress chemicals," such as adrenaline. These chemicals can cause a variety of physical responses. Your muscles may tighten, and you may breathe faster. When this is happening, the pain receptors in your brain become more sensitive, which often makes you feel more fearful and anxious. Studies have shown that relaxation techniques can help reduce levels of stress hormones as well as pain and anxiety. People who practice relaxation techniques often discover that their fear responses diminish over time. Some of the most effective relaxation techniques include: * Guided imagery
* Deep breathing
* Progressive relaxation Your dentist in Sandy is always available and willing to help reduce your dental anxieties. With proper communication, you and your cosmetic dentist in Sandy can come to an effective solution to make you more comfortable while receiving treatment.
Dr. Nathan Chandler, Sandy, UT dentist, attended Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, Illinois in 1998. After graduation, Dr. Chandler, Sandy dental implants dentist, practiced dentistry in Oregon until 2003, in which he returned to Utah with a wealth of knowledge to his Sandy, UT practice.
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