Marv Thomas, DDS
Marv Thomas, DDS is a member of many dental assocations including the American Dental Association.
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Three Great Ways to Reduce Dental Anxiety
For some people a normal dentist appointment can conjure fight or flight responses. People with this level of anxiety are classified as having dentophobia or odontophobia, commonly known just as dental phobia. The anxiety can be sparked by a fear for the sharp metallic dental equipment, loud noises, loss of control, or the fear of the unknown. Common signs that you are suffering from dental 
phobia are
- Thoughts of the dentist make you feel physically ill
- Lack of sleep the night before a dentist appointment
- Nervous while in the waiting room of the dental office
- Uncomfortable with objects being placed in your mouth during examination
If you identify with any of the symptoms mentioned above, here are three great ways to reduce your dental anxiety or the dental anxiety of a loved one.
It is important to have open and free communication with your dentist. Talk to your dentist about your specific needs and phobias. If you do not feel at ease with your dentist then it is almost impossible to overcome your fears. Communication also means being involved in the dental procedure. Maybe you need to handle the instruments before they are used so they don't seem so foreign.
Another great way to deal with your fears is with developing your own coping methods, such as distracting yourself with counting, prayer, self-efficacy, and optimism. If you let your dentist know that you have dental phobias or anxiety, they will know to gradually introduce new things, take things slowly, and thoroughly explain what they are doing throughout your appointment.
Sedation is always an option in helping you feel more comfortable and relaxed at your dentist appointment. If your dentist recommends sedation for your appointment it is because they have seen it work wonders for others. There are different types of sedation that might be used for different circumstances or phobias to tailor just for your needs.
If the dentist you are seeing doesn't take your phobias seriously, then schedule an appointment with The Dental Spa of Virginia, where our caring dentists will go the extra mile to make you feel at ease. Call The Dental Spa of Virginia at either of our two Dillingham Square locations: Spa One at (703) 580-1443, and Spa Two at (703) 580-8288.