{"id":33,"date":"2022-10-06T23:44:57","date_gmt":"2022-10-06T23:44:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skillmanfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=33"},"modified":"2022-11-02T23:47:08","modified_gmt":"2022-11-02T23:47:08","slug":"dental-fear-halloween-solution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skillmanfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=33","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Be Afraid of the Dentist This Halloween \u2013 Here\u2019s Why!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.skillmanfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dental_Anxiety__1600371034_34000.jpg\" alt=\"Woman afraid at the dentist\" class=\"wp-image-34\" width=\"301\" height=\"201\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.skillmanfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dental_Anxiety__1600371034_34000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.skillmanfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dental_Anxiety__1600371034_34000-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.skillmanfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Dental_Anxiety__1600371034_34000-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Whether you had a negative experience at the dental office growing up, or you\u2019ve read one too many online horror stories, you aren\u2019t alone if the idea of going to the dentist makes you feel nervous. In fact, approximately 36% of Americans have some level of dental anxiety. Some people avoid visiting the dentist at all costs! The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce dental anxiety so you can get the essential dental treatment you need. Continue reading to learn more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why It\u2019s Important to Combat Your Fear of the Dentist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are putting off your routine cleanings and checkups, you are leaving your smile completely vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health conditions \u2013 most that can be easily avoided and\/or treated with simple procedures when caught early on. Ultimately, by missing dental visits, you are putting yourself on the fast track toward needing emergency dental care. By seeing your dentist regularly, your visits can be made more pleasant and you can spend less time in the dental chair in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Make Your Dental Visits Less Stressful<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some steps that many patients find helpful when it comes to reducing their dental anxiety:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Listen to Music<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the sound of dental instruments triggers your anxiety, ask your dentist if you can put in your headphones and listen to your favorite music or calming sounds during your treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focus on Breathing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It may sound obvious, but many people hold their breath when they feel stressed. Try practicing some breathing exercises to help you feel calmer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ask for a Step-by-Step Rundown<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you don\u2019t know what your dentist is doing, you may experience additional stress. If this is the case for you, ask if they can explain the steps they are taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pick an Ideal Time and Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are already having a stressful day, throwing a dental appointment in the mix won\u2019t help. Choose a time and day that fits best into your schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Talk to Your Dental Team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let your dental team know that you have dental anxiety so they can take extra steps to help. If there is anything they can do to help you feel more comfortable, don\u2019t hesitate to say something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Consider Nitrous Oxide Sedation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Commonly referred to as \u201claughing gas,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skillmanfamilydentistry.com\/sedation-dentistry.html\">nitrous oxide sedation<\/a> is known for the warm, euphoric feeling it creates. A nasal mask is placed over your nose and after just a few deep breaths, you will begin to feel the tension leave your body. The best part is that when your treatment is complete and your dentist takes the mask off, the effects will go away almost immediately. You can even drive yourself home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This Halloween, don\u2019t give in to your phobia of the dentist. By taking some of the steps listed above and talking to your dental team, you can receive the essential care you need worry-free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skillmanfamilydentistry.com\/meet-the-dentist.html\">Dr. Henry Lu<\/a> earned his dental doctorate from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he\u2019s a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Dallas, visit his <a href=\"https:\/\/www.skillmanfamilydentistry.com\/contact.html\">website<\/a> or call (469) 998-9822.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you had a negative experience at the dental office growing up, or you\u2019ve read one too many online horror stories, you aren\u2019t alone if the idea of going to the dentist makes you feel nervous. In fact, approximately 36% of Americans have some level of dental anxiety. Some people avoid visiting the dentist at [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Combat Your Dental Phobia, Dallas | Skillman Family Dentistry<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you get nervous when you think about going to the dentist? 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