Sympathetic dentistry in Egham.

Dental phobia affects lots of people, and here at Crown House Dental in Egham, we have lots of useful ideas to help our patients get the vital dental care they need, working through and often past deep dental phobias.

We also know that some patients have mild phobias, or general anxiety when they visit us, which is completely normal and common. For this reason, should you feel any worry or anxiety when visiting us, we want to suggest some easy relaxation techniques to help you enjoy a comfortable visit with Crown House Dental:

Square Breathing

Square breathing is a really simple technique where you close your eyes, and imagine a big square. Set your mind at one corner, then breathe in and count to three whilst you travel across to the next corner, then pause for three there, then exhale and count for three as you travel to the next corner. You simply keep repeating this to regulate your breathing and feel more relaxed.

Self Hypnosis

If you have an appointment coming up, self hypnosis might be a great way to get you through it, you just need to commit to watching or listening to a video that works for you every day in the lead up. There are free hypnosis sessions for helping overcome dental anxiety on-line and some people find that they really do help. Just remember you need to give it time to work, so don't try listening and watching the night before when you are less likely to focus.

Belly Breathing

Belly breathing is useful in many ways, not just with anxiety and is a great skill to learn. Commonly when we are anxious we have tight shoulders and we breathe in a shallow way, which can cause us to breathe faster and faster. With belly breathing, you push your shoulders down, and relax them, and then focus your breath deep down into the belly so it expands; then when you breathe out you imagine someone pushing on your belly to get all the air out. Breathe in for 5, hold for 5 and then breathe out for 5 is usually a good place to start, as well as trying it lying on your back with your hand on your belly at least for the first few times. Again, this might sound slightly odd but it's definitely worth a try.

Positive Affirmations - Mantras

Mantras work when you repeat them over and over again every day and put the effort into believing them. You might say them to yourself in the mirror, or perhaps out loud to yourself as you get ready for work. With dental anxiety, the mantra might be 'I need a checkup, and it's going to be fine', you would do this whilst thinking about the check up and imagining yourself smiling and feeling fine during it. These types of positive affirmations can make a big difference if you keep at them.

If Relaxation Techniques Are Not Enough....

It may be that your dental anxiety runs as a deep phobia which is preventing you from getting the vital dental care you need. If this is the case, then you need to give us a call and let us know your situation so that we can help you. We have experience and training in helping people overcome their dental anxiety and we're excited to help you overcome yours too. Please call us on 01784432641 and one of our friendly team will be able to help you and give you more information.