Nervous about visiting the dentist? You’re not alone. The good news is, you don’t have to feel this way! Our team is committed to helping you ease dental stress. 

Call Bickler Dentistry at 503-647-4645 to see how we can help you lessen dental anxiety. If you’d like, you can visit our Salem, OR office to check out our soothing environment and meet our caring staff before making an appointment. 

In the meantime, here are six strategies to help you feel more at ease during your next dental appointment.

Be Open About Your Anxiety

One of the most effective ways to manage anxiety is to share your feelings with your dental team. Letting them know about your concerns allows them to tailor the experience to your needs. They can take extra care to explain procedures, answer your questions, and go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. This open communication can make a significant difference in how you experience your visit.

Use Relaxation Techniques

Engaging in relaxation exercises can help calm your mind and body before and during your appointment. Deep breathing, in particular, can reduce feelings of anxiety by slowing your heart rate and promoting a sense of calm. Try inhaling deeply through your nose, holding the breath for a few moments, and then slowly exhaling through your mouth. Even just a few minutes of this can make a big difference.

Bring Something to Help You Relax

Sometimes, having something familiar and comforting can help ease your nerves. This could be a small item like a stress ball or a favorite piece of jewelry. Some patients find that listening to music or an audiobook through headphones helps to drown out the sounds of dental equipment and keeps their mind occupied with something enjoyable. We’re also happy to offer you a pillow and blanket to help you get cozy. 

Explore Sedation Options to Ease Dental Stress

For those with significant dental anxiety, sedation can be a valuable option to consider. Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is a mild form of sedation that helps you relax while remaining fully awake. It’s safe, effective, and its effects wear off quickly. Alternatively, oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to help you feel more at ease. This option allows you to remain conscious but deeply relaxed, making the entire experience more manageable. Discuss these options with your dentist to determine which might be best for you.

Choose an Optimal Time for Your Appointment

The timing of your dental appointment can impact how anxious you feel. Try to schedule your visit at a time when you’re typically more relaxed and less rushed. For many people, this might be earlier in the day when they’re not yet stressed by daily tasks. Our office opens as early as 7 a.m. if this is true for you. Choosing a time that fits well with your routine can help reduce anxiety and make the experience more pleasant.

Learn About the Procedure in Advance

Knowledge is a powerful tool in combating fear. If you’re anxious about a particular procedure, ask your dentist to walk you through it step by step. Understanding what will happen during your visit can reduce the fear of the unknown and help you feel more in control. Knowing what to expect can transform a daunting experience into something more predictable and less intimidating.

Don’t let dental anxiety stand in the way of your oral health. By communicating your concerns, practicing relaxation techniques, and considering sedation options like laughing gas or oral sedation, you can take steps to make your dental visits more comfortable. Your dental team is here to support you and ease your dental stress.

Call Bickler Dentistry today at 503-647-4645 to schedule an appointment in Salem, OR. You can also make an appointment online.