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How to Overcome Your Dental Phobia

Posted January 12, 2016


It is important to us that you feel comfortable and safe at General Dentistry of Cape Cod, PC. We understand that dental phobia is a real problem, and we are here to help you in any way we can. So, if you are a victim of this anxiety, we recommend doing the following things so you can finally be happy in the dental chair:

Talk to the Dentist
If you tell your dentist how you feel in the dental chair, they will know how to manage and help with your dental phobia. Your dentist will be extra careful and extra gentle as they performs the needed treatment.

Bring Music
Feel free to bring an iPod or CD player into the office with you. You can listen to music throughout your treatment and it will help you stay distracted. We recommend bringing in a new artist or new album to listen to, particularly one that relaxes you, so you will focus on the music rather than your treatment.

Discuss Dental Sedation
Many dentists offer dental sedation in their offices to help their patients get through the treatment. The most common sedatives found are nitrous oxide sedation, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Talk to your dentist about your options and see if sedation is something that will help during your visit.

Determine a “stop” signal
If you and your dentist determine a stop signal before you begin treatment, you will have the control you need during your dental appointment. Your signal could be anything from raising your hand, making a coughing sound, or blinking three times.

Plan Breaks
Ask your dentist what your treatment will consist of. Have them give you specific details on what is going to happen and how long it’s going to take. Better yet, plan breaks before you begin treatment so you know you will have time to take a deep breath while the treatment is in progress.

As you do these five things, you will feel more in control and you will also feel safer. We want you to have the best experiences possible with Dr. Andy Uzpurvis and Paul Booth and our entire dental team, so if you have any suggestions or if you would like to talk to us about more tips involved with overcoming your dental phobia, call us now at 508-790-8300. General Dentistry of Cape Cod, PC should be a place that makes you happy and healthy—not scared and nervous!