I’m Nervous About My Upcoming Dental Appointment

Whether you’re 12 or 75 years old, it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous before a dental appointment. In fact, recent studies have found that a majority of adults (as many as 75% or more) feel nervous before going to the dentist. For people with extreme dental anxiety, even a routine dental exam can cause panic.

Our team of dentists and dental professionals at Manhasset Dental Arts are sensitive to the needs of our patients with dental anxiety and offer compassionate general and cosmetic dentistry services in a comfortable and relaxing setting at our office in Manhasset, New York.

What to do if you’re nervous about your upcoming dental appointment

If you’re nervous about your upcoming dental appointment, whether it’s for an exam and cleaning or to treat a cavity or gingivitis, the last thing you probably want to hear is that you just need to relax. If it were that simple, everyone would be cured of their dental fears.

There are different factors that contribute to anxiety around dental appointments. One of the most common things that make people nervous about going to the dentist is the fear of pain. However, there are many other factors that can contribute to anxiety. 

Some people are afraid of needles, others feel anxious waiting in the lobby before their appointment, and some people even panic at the mere sight of dental instruments, the chair, or even the actual dentist.

If you’re nervous about your upcoming appointment, try to figure out what specifically makes you worry. 

• Are you worried about pain or afraid of a specific procedure?
• Do you panic at the sight of blood or needles?
• Are you sensitive to certain smells or bright lights?
• Are you nervous about possibly getting bad news about your oral health or finding out you might need more dental work in the future?

If you can pinpoint the triggers for your anxiety, you can come up with coping strategies ahead of your appointment.

Tips for staying calm and managing your nerves at your next dental appointment

If you’re not sure why you’re nervous, that’s OK too. Give us a call and a member of our team can help you get started.

If you’re coming in for a specific procedure and need more information, call us before your appointment to go over the details to put your mind at ease. If you have gum or tooth sensitivity or a lower pain threshold, let your dentist know before your appointment.

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and visualization exercises can help you feel calmer before and during your appointment. Some people find that reading, watching a movie or a show, or listening to music while the dentist works can also take their mind out of the chair.

You can also bring a friend or family member to your appointment for moral support, even if it’s just a routine visit.

Most importantly, don’t feel shy or embarrassed about asking questions and acknowledging that you’re nervous and need a little additional support to make it through your next appointment.

You don’t have to let dental anxiety and nerves get in the way of your oral health. If you’re nervous about your appointment or need additional support setting up your appointment and getting yourself to the office, contact us today and a member of our team will walk you through the process and help you get the dental care you need. 

Our office in Manhasset, New York is equipped to make your next visit to the dentist as comfortable and supportive as possible.