Managing Dental Anxiety: Your Guide to Stress-Free Visits

If the thought of visiting the dentist makes your heart race, you are not alone. Dental anxiety affects an estimated 36% of the population, with about 12% experiencing extreme dental fear. But avoiding dental care can lead to serious health consequences.

At Willow Family Dentistry, we understand dental anxiety and have created an environment and approach specifically designed to help anxious patients feel safe and comfortable.

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety can stem from many sources:

• Past negative experiences: a painful or traumatic dental visit
• Fear of pain: worry about discomfort during procedures
• Loss of control: feeling vulnerable in the dental chair
• Embarrassment: concern about the condition of your teeth
• Sensory triggers: sounds, smells, or sights associated with dental offices

Whatever the cause, your feelings are valid, and there are effective ways to manage them.

Practical Strategies for Managing Anxiety

1. Communicate Your Fears

The single most important thing you can do is tell your dental team about your anxiety. At Willow Family Dentistry, Dr. Jeong takes extra time with anxious patients to:

• Listen to your concerns without judgment
• Explain every step before it happens
• Establish a "stop" signal (like raising your hand) so you always feel in control

2. Practice Breathing Techniques

Deep, slow breathing activates your body's relaxation response. Try this before and during your appointment:

• Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts
• Hold for 4 counts
• Exhale through your mouth for 6 counts
• Repeat 3-5 times

3. Use Distraction

Many patients find it helpful to:

• Listen to music or a podcast with headphones
• Focus on a specific object in the room
• Practice progressive muscle relaxation
• Count backward from 100

4. Schedule Strategically

Book your appointment at a time when you are least likely to feel rushed or stressed. Morning appointments work well for many anxious patients, giving you less time to worry throughout the day.

5. Bring a Support Person

You are welcome to bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointment. Their presence can provide comfort and reassurance.

Sedation Options at Willow Family Dentistry

For patients who need more than coping strategies, we offer sedation dentistry options:

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

• Inhaled through a small mask over your nose
• Creates a feeling of calm and relaxation
• Effects wear off within minutes after removal
• You can drive yourself home afterward
• Safe for most patients, including children

Oral Sedation

• A prescribed medication taken before your appointment
• Produces a deeper level of relaxation
• You will be awake but may not remember much of the procedure
• Requires someone to drive you to and from the appointment

Our Promise to Anxious Patients

At Willow Family Dentistry, we promise to:

• Never judge you for your anxiety or the condition of your teeth
• Always explain what we are doing and why
• Move at your pace and never rush you
• Provide the gentlest care possible
• Offer sedation options when needed

Taking the First Step

The hardest part is making that first phone call or booking that first appointment. We encourage you to start with a simple consultation, no treatment required. Just come meet our team, see our office, and talk with Dr. Jeong about your concerns.

Schedule a consultation or call us at (972) 881-0715. We are here for you, at your pace.