Puplished in February issue of Medina County Women's Journal: Relieving Dental Anxiety      By Dr. Sheri L. Lefty

Do you get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist, or know someone who does?  Dental anxiety is a common reason people avoid the dentist, risking tooth loss and gum disease.  With major advancements in dentistry, anxiety and fear can be overcome through comfortable dental visits.

If you currently suffer from anxiety, try these techniques at your next dental visit:*Share your anxiety with your doctor if you are tense or anxious - voicing your concerns will allow your dentist to modify treatment to your needs.

*Choose an appointment time when you will be most relaxed, and not rushed.

*Book early morning appointments to avoid thinking about the visit all day long.

*Look for ways to distract yourself during treatment - bring your audio player to wear during the appointment if the noises bother you. 

Many dental offices are adapting to patient’s comfort by offering movies, sound and spa treatments during the appointment to help you relax. 

Some people experience less anxiety when they have control over a situation.  Ask your dentist to stop treatment when you give a signal, such as raising your hand.  Just knowing that you are in control of what happens will empower you and reduce anxiety.   

It is very important to find a dentist who is willing to help you through the anxiety and offers methods to eliminate it.  When searching for a dentist, ask what the office does to help eliminate anxiety, how they approach anxious patients, and if they provide sedation to aid in eliminating severe anxiety.   

Children may have dental anxiety, sometimes even before their first visit.  Small segments in movies, television shows, etc. about the mean, painful dentist, can actually create dental anxiety in children.  The dental visit should always be a positive experience, and made fun for children.  If there is an issue with anxiety, it should be discussed with the child at their level.  Addressing the problem and adjusting the pace of treatment is a very successful tool in managing children’s dental anxiety.   

Dr. Sheri Lefty is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University’s School of Dental Medicine, she focuses her continued education on family and cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic excellence for her patients.  Dr. Lefty is a member in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Society, Medina Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and has completed Continuum 1 at the Pankey Institute for advanced dental education.  Dr. Lefty lives in Sharon Township with her husband Greg and dogs, Behr and Avi.