How To Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist?

Posted on 9/19/2022 by Evan

Dental anxiety is a widespread problem. It is estimated that around 1 in 10 people have dental anxiety. If you are one of those people, you may wonder how to overcome your fear of the dentist. It can be challenging, but it is possible! Here, we will discuss tips to help you conquer your fear and get the dental care you need.

Acknowledge Your Fear

The first step to overcoming your fear of the dentist is acknowledging that you are afraid. It may seem like a no-brainer but being honest with yourself about your feelings is essential. If you're in denial about your fear, you'll never be able to overcome it. For example, if you tell yourself that you're not afraid of the dentist, but your heart starts racing when you think about going, it's time to face the fact that you might be a little bit scared.

Try Relaxation Techniques

Many relaxation techniques can be used to help ease dental anxiety. Some popular techniques include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization. If you're interested in trying deep breathing, start by inhaling slowly and deeply through your nose. Then, exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat the exercise many times until you feel more relaxed. A method called muscle relaxation in a progressive manner works on tension and releasing different muscle groups one at a time. First, relax the muscles in your toes for a few seconds, then release them. Work your way up to reach the head muscles. Finally, visualization involves picturing yourself in a calm and relaxing environment.

Arrive Early

Dentists are often very busy. They have a lot of patients to see in a day. It can be overwhelming for some people, especially if they are anxious about going to the dentist. If you arrive early, you can avoid the rush and relax before your appointment.

Our clinic offers a variety of options to help you feel more comfortable during your next dental visit. We understand some patients may feel anxious about visiting the dentist, and we want to do everything possible to make your experience as relaxed and stress-free as possible.

Madison:

5709 Odana Road,
Madison, WI 53719

608-274-5970

Hours

Mon - Thurs: 7 am - 6 pm
Friday: 7 am - 2 pm

DeForest

502 Nelson Court,
DeForest, WI 53532

608-846-3302

Hours

Monday: 8 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 7 am - 4 pm
Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
Friday: Closed

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Dentist Madison WI • About Madison Family Dental Associates
Madison Family Dental Associates is known as a leader in preventive dentistry with more than 40 years of experience providing care in the Madison area.
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