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Dentists recommend a check-up every six months to examine the health of your teeth and gums. This way, if you have a dental issue, it can be diagnosed and treated quickly to prevent it from worsening. However, it can be a struggle for some to visit the dentist because they have a perception that it will be painful. Oral health is just as important as other parts of your body, so the fear of pain should not stop you from regularly seeing a dentist. Here are some tips on how to alleviate your dental anxiety.

Tell Your Dentist About Your Anxiety

Airing your concerns is very helpful. Talk to your dentist about your anxiety before getting a check-up. Sharing the bad experiences you may have had in the past and asking for suggestions on coping strategies can help a lot. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the treatments you will need or the tools that’ll be used. It will help alleviate your anxiety if you know what your dentist will do next. Finally, when dentists know about your anxiety, they’ll take extra measures to keep you relaxed while you’re in the clinic. This includes keeping you engaged, explaining every step and the tools being used, and taking things slow to ensure you are comfortable throughout your visit.

Take A Loved One or A Distraction With You

Having a loved one to accompany you to your dentist’s appointment can help you remain calm. Ask your dentist to let them accompany you into the room where you will get the cleaning or treatment. This can do wonders to reduce your anxiety. You can also bring along headphones and a music player to distract you while you get your cleaning or treatment.

Go for A Dentist That Offers Sedation

When getting an appointment with a dentist, check if they offer IV sedation services. This process involves your dentist administering a mild sedative intravenously prior to dental treatments and procedures. Sedation keeps your relaxed through your appointment, so you don’t feel anxious or scared while the dentist does the necessary cleaning or treatments you need.

Sedation dentists (also known as “sleep dentists”) can use mild, moderate, or deep sedation, based on your tolerance and anxiety as well as the procedure or treatment is performed, to help reduce your dental anxiety.

While you are sedated, your dentist can complete various dental procedures, including:

• Dental implants
• Fixing chipped teeth
• Full mouth reconstruction
• Teeth whitening
• Root canal

The benefits of IV sedation include:

• Reduction or elimination of anxiety
• Immediate anxiety relief
• Increased tolerance for longer dental sessions
• Gag reflex reduction
• Customizable dose of sedative

Sedation Dental Clinic in Plantation, Florida

It’s not easy for everyone to go to the dentist for regular checkups. If this is true for you, there are many ways to ease your anxiety – the first of which is finding a skilled and caring sedation dentist.

At the office of Dr. Ernie Soto, we offer IV sedation services to reduce fears and anxiety associated with going to the dentist. Dr. Ernie Soto is one of the few dentists in Plantation, Florida, licensed by the state to offer sedation for a comfortable and relaxing dental experience.

Call us at (954) 368-6264 to schedule an appointment, or you may request an appointment online. Our staff looks forward to serving you!