Managing Dental Anxiety at Iris Dental
At Iris Dental, we understand that dental anxiety is a common concern for many patients. While we no longer offer sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide, we have developed a range of effective techniques to help manage anxiety and ensure your visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Psychological Coping Techniques
Deep Breathing One of the simplest and most effective ways to manage anxiety is through deep breathing exercises. By focusing on slow, deep breaths, you can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety. Our team can guide you through these exercises before and during your treatment.
Meditation Meditation can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety. By practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques, you can help your mind stay calm and focused. We can provide a quiet space and resources to assist you in meditation during your visit.
Distraction Distraction techniques, such as listening to music or using personal devices, can help take your mind off the dental procedure. Feel free to bring your headphones and favorite playlist or ask us about available entertainment options.
Guided Imagery Guided imagery involves visualizing a peaceful and relaxing scene to help reduce stress and anxiety. Our team can lead you through this technique or provide resources to help you use guided imagery during your appointment.
Additional Methods for Anxiety Management
Medications for Relaxation In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help you relax before your appointment. These medications can help ease anxiety and make your visit more comfortable. Please discuss your concerns with our team so we can determine the best approach for your needs.
Signaling for a Break We believe in maintaining open communication with our patients. Agreeing on a signal to indicate when you need a break, such as raising your left pointer finger or hand, can provide a sense of control and reduce anxiety during treatment.
Weighted Blankets Weighted blankets are known for their calming effects and can help reduce anxiety during dental procedures. We offer weighted blankets to our patients to create a more comforting and secure environment.
Personalised Care
At Iris Dental, our goal is to provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs and concerns. We are committed to working with you to find the best strategies to manage your dental anxiety. If you have any specific techniques or methods that help you feel more at ease, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
We are dedicated to ensuring that every visit to Iris Dental is a positive and comfortable experience. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to discuss your anxiety management options further. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities.