Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Are you afraid of the dentist? This is more common than you might think. Data from the Cleveland Clinic shows that 36% of Americans suffer from dentophobia, or, the fear of dental treatment. Someone with this fear may experience anxiety at just the thought of an upcoming appointment with their dentist. At Tenaglia Smiles, we believe that you should not let dental anxiety stand in the way of the professional oral care that you need. Read on as, today on the blog, Okemos’ favorite dentist Dr. Christine Tenaglia provides four tips to manage dental anxiety.
Tip 1: Communicate
Your dentist will not know about your anxieties and fears unless you talk about them. Be open and honest with your dentist or the member of their team who you are speaking with, whether it be in person or on the phone. Dr. Christine Tenaglia and her team of oral health professionals at Tenaglia Smiles will listen to your concerns and take them seriously. We will review every step of any planned treatment, thus eliminating any fear of the unknown and ensuring that you know what to expect during your dental visit.
Tip 2: Don’t go alone
In any stressful or anxious situation, having someone who cares about you by your side can be so important. This is especially true for children who may have dental anxiety and can benefit from having a parent sit chairside, but we have found that this can help calm nervous adult patients as well.
Tip 3: Self care
Make sure to practice soothing habits the day of and prior to your appointment. Go to bed on time, or early, and avoid drinking too much caffeine or consuming too much sugar before you are scheduled to visit our dental office. Once you arrive, practice deep breathing when you are both in the waiting room and during your time in the dental chair.
Tip 4: Distract yourself
This is one time in life where distraction is a good thing. Tenaglia Smiles offers televisions in our facility, so you can watch a favorite show or movie during the appointment, which can help you stay relaxed.
NuCalm can help counter your dental anxiety
Tenaglia Smiles can help people just like you find a solution to their anxiety and receive the professional oral care they so desperately need. Dr. Christine Tenaglia offers NuCalm as an alternative to other sedation methods. NuCalm is all-natural, drug-free, and can alleviate even high anxiety or outright fear over the prospect of going to the dentist. NuCalm combines sound, vision and nerve stimulation to help patients just like you minimize their stress during appointments. Best of all, you remain full use of your faculties and clear thought throughout your appointment.
To find out if NuCalm is right for you or to learn more about ways we can help you manage your dental anxiety, feel free to contact Tenaglia Smiles and schedule a tour of our office in Okemos. Find out for yourself about Dr. Christine Tenaglia and how she has been providing the highest level of oral care to patients in Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing and the surrounding areas in Michigan. Just call (517) 347-6733 or contact us online.