San Francisco and Marin CA
Some people grow very anxious when they think about sitting in a dentist’s chair. Other people are flat-out terrified.
If this is how you feel when making your two appointments a year at our San Francisco dentist’s office, it may help to know that you are not alone.
Dental anxiety is brought about in a person by any number of reasons, such as:
- A bad past experience
- Fear of pain
- The sound of dental instruments
- Not being able to see what the dentist is doing
All of these feelings are valid and more common than you think.
At Glen Park Dental, we understand that you may be feeling anxious for your appointment, and we are committed to going the extra mile to make you feel safe, heard and comfortable. If you or someone you love struggles with dental anxiety, our family dentist in Marin is sharing some tried-and-true techniques today to help make your next visit easier.
Talk to us
We are firm believers in open and honest communication. Do not be afraid or ashamed to tell us, either before your appointment or when you arrive, that you’re feeling anxious, nervous or scared about your appointment. We will make sure you feel comfortable, thoroughly explaining any treatments and giving you extra breaks throughout your cleaning or procedure if you tell us that will help. We care about your smile and oral health. But most importantly, we care about you. And your comfort is a big part of that.
Come meet us
Sometimes, a simple “meet and greet” in our Marin dentist’s office can make you feel more comfortable and at home. Being in the environment of our office without feeling the pressure of a procedure and getting to know our dental team is a great way to build trust and confidence before your actual appointment.
Try to relax
Many of our patients practice deep breathing, meditation or even a guided visualization on their phones to help calm their nerves before and during their appointment. If you’d feel more comfortable bringing in headphones to listen to music, audiobooks or calming sounds, be our guest! These sounds can help drown out the sound of dental instruments and other clinical noises that can trigger anxiety.
Bring a comfort item
Some of our patients have a cozy blanket, stress ball, a small object or a friend or family member that helps ground them. Don’t hesitate to bring your comfort item into the office to keep you company during your appointment.
Schedule wisely
If you seem to feel less stressed or rushed at a particular time of day, plan your appointments at that time. Perhaps early morning will suit you best so you don’t have to fret over your appointment all day. Or maybe midday, which tends to be a bit quieter in the office, feels more relaxed to you. Try to book your appointments when you know you will likely feel more comfortable and at ease.
Ask about sedation options
If you have more moderate or severe anxiety that cannot be overcome with the suggestions above, sedation dentistry might be a great fit for you. Our San Francisco family dentist offers options that range from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to oral medication or even IV sedation for more intensive procedures.
Celebrate your wins!
Don’t put all your energy into preparing for your dental appointment without also being prepared to celebrate when you show up, face your fears and take a huge step toward better oral health and a more trusting relationship with the dentist’s office. Each positive experience builds confidence and reduces anxiety for the next visit, so be sure to pat yourself on the back when another comfortable, accommodating appointment at our dentist office in Marin is under your belt!
Overcome dental anxiety in the Bay Area
Please do not be embarrassed about having dental anxiety. It is a lot more common than you probably think. Our dental team at Glen Park Dental is committed to compassionate care that meets you where you are. If you need to make an appointment, want to schedule a meet and greet or simply want to talk through your concerns, call us at (415) 799-3900, or reach out to us online today. We’re here for more than your oral health — we’re here for you.
