Relaxation Methods

It’s common to feel a sense of anxiety both before and during dental procedures.  In fact, it has been estimated that 35 million adults experience anxiety at the thought of a dental visit.  However, there are some things you can do in order to make your visit with us a more enjoyable:

1.  Schedule A Stress Free Time For Your Visit

Avoid scheduling your visit during hours when you might be rushed or stressed out, such as a lunch break or after work.  Morning hours and weekends are usually best.

2. Prepare For The Procedure

Get a good night’s sleep the night before so you arrive calm and relaxed. A few hours before your visit, refrain from drinking coffee, soda, or any other beverage that may make you jittery and nervous. Eat foods high in protein, including cheese and eggs, because they can produce a calming effect on your body. For comfort during your procedure wear loose clothing.

3. Communicate With Us

Express the feelings and concerns you have about your procedure with us during your visit.  Bringing your concerns out in the open allows us to better meet your needs and helps you to gain control over your fears and relax.  

4. Learn About Your Procedure

Asking us to explain each step of your procedure will help eliminate any fears you may have about what is being done.  The more you understand about your dental treatment, the more relaxed you will be.

5.  Practice Relaxation Techniques

During your procedure, you can take your mind off tension and reduce stress by focusing on pleasant distractions such as music or a colorful picture.  You may also try deep breathing and tension release techniques for quick relaxation:

 While laying in the dentist’s chair try tightening the muscles in your toes for a count of ten.  Then, relax and enjoy the sensation from the release of tension.  Next, flex your ankles for a count of 10 and relax.  Move slowly up through your body, tensing and relaxing your muscles while taking time to enjoy the release from tension.  Remember to breath deeply and slowly.  You’ll be amazed how good you’ll feel!

6. Reward Yourself