Although we are not mind readers we can tell if you are on edge and recognizing these signs enables us to assist you. If you are anxious, it is not uncommon for you to experience sweaty palms, an increased heart rate, or a sense of dread at the mere thought of a dental visit.

These are natural reactions and acknowledging them is the first step towards finding a solution. It’s important to address these concerns to ensure they don’t deter you from visiting our Edmonton dental office. So, if you do suffer from dental anxiety we advise:

Before an appointment:

• Deep breathing and relaxation techniques: Try deep breathing exercises by inhaling slowly and exhaling deeply as this can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
• Talk about your fears: Open communication is vital. You should feel comfortable discussing your fears with us and knowing what triggers your anxiety enables us to tailor our approach and create a more comfortable experience.
• Positive visualization: Try and visualize positive outcomes. Prior to an appointment, imagine a successful, stress-free visit. This can help shift focus from anxiety to a more positive mindset.
• Distraction techniques: Listen to calming music, a favourite podcast, or an audiobook before and even during the appointment. This helps move your attention away from anxiety-inducing thoughts.

During an appointment:

• Bring a personal object: It’s perfectly fine to bring a comforting item, whether it’s a stress ball or a stuffed toy.
• Bring a friend: Bring someone with you for moral support.
• Establish a signal: Develop a signal that communicates to us when you require a break during treatment.
• Ease into treatment: Begin your treatment in brief intervals, gradually increasing the duration as you become more at ease.
• Consider sedation options: For some patients, there isn’t any way to get over the intense fear they have of the dentist. In these cases, we recommend IV Dental Sedation.

At Princess Elizabeth Dental, we believe you should get the best possible dental care, and that means ensuring you feel settled and in control at each level of your treatment.

Here’s how we aim to create a more relaxed environment:

• Patient-Centric approach: We prioritize a patient-centric approach, taking the time to listen and address individual concerns to help you relax during any treatment process. This fosters a sense of trust and understanding between us all.
• Explaining procedures: Ahead of your treatment, our dentist will communicate with you to discover the reason for any concerns. We will discuss all the treatment steps with you, so that you are aware of what to anticipate and when.
• Welcoming atmosphere: Our Edmonton practice is designed to be warm and welcoming, and our goal is to create an environment that eases nerves. A comfortable waiting area and our friendly team contribute to an overall positive experience and we’ll always do everything we can to make your visit stress-free.
• Flexible scheduling: Recognizing that time constraints can add stress, we offer flexible scheduling options. This ensures that appointments are convenient for our patients, minimizing any additional sources of anxiety.

Delaying or avoiding dental visits due to anxiety can lead to more than just oral health problems. What might start as a minor issue can escalate into a more complex problem, both in terms of health and finances.

Regular check-ups are not just about maintaining oral hygiene; they are a proactive measure to prevent potential complications. Overcoming dental anxiety is a journey, and by working together, we can create a stress-free environment where everyone feels heard, understood, and well cared for.

Our dentists will always listen to your concerns which will help us determine the best dental anxiety solutions for you. For further information visit our page here or contact us directly at: 780 488 0383.