How to Relax During an Oral Examination

Quick Summary

Oral health is connected to overall body health, making regular oral examinations important for your wellbeing. Understanding this connection and preparing ahead of time can help reduce anxiety during dental visits.

Key Takeaways

• You can reduce exam anxiety by reminding yourself that oral health affects your overall health, making the visit worthwhile.
• Ask your dentist to explain what they are checking for during the examination so you feel more informed and in control.
• You should communicate any concerns or fears to your dental team before the exam begins so they can help you feel more comfortable.
• Ask your periodontist what specific oral health markers they monitor and how those relate to your overall wellness.

We definitely understand some people have anxieties or fears when going to a dentist or periodontist.  These can stem from childhood fears, previous experiences or wild imaginations.  Regardless of the logic or reasoning behind the anxiety, we’ve put together a list of 5 actions that you can take to feel more comfortable during an oral examination.  These steps will help to lower your stress levels and make your dental visits more manageable.

1)       Breathing.

Although this sounds basic, many people do not understand the effects of deep breathing.  It is physiologically difficult for your body to feel stress when engaged in deep breathing.  Many meditation and yoga teachers emphasize the importance of deep breathing to help reduce stress and calm your mind.  Take deep breaths from your diaphragm, and be careful about shallow breathing.  This can speed up your heart-rate and lead to increased anxieties.

2)      Visualization.

When you are lying back in the chair, create positive images in your mind.  If this sounds too abstract for you, start with things that make you happy.  Maybe you can picture your dog or favorite vacation spot, then eventually start to think about where you are and what is happening to you.  Think positively- you are in the hand of distinguished professionals!

3)      Sedation.

In most dental practices, sedation is a method that can be used for a variety of different reasons.  Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky offer the latest in twilight dentistry for sedation therapy.  This helps to give their patients the most comfortable and relaxing experience.

4)      Comfort.

Feeling comfortable is imperative for a healthy relationship with your oral health professional.  This may mean bringing something from home that makes you feel comfortable, like a blanket or pillow, or having a heart to heart with your dental professional about your individual needs.  Whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable will help in reducing your stress.

5)      Professional Help.

If necessary, you can speak to a counselor or physician about your fears or anxieties.  In most cases, just talking about the issues can help to solve them.  However, in extreme cases you can be prescribed medication for dental visits.  We suggest the more natural approaches first!

Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky pride themselves in using the latest technologies and quietest equipment to ensure the best patient experience possible.  They listen and make it their number one priority to promote a relaxing environment.

Please contact us to set up a patient consultation today.

Next, learn more about bleeding gums.

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