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How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is a real concern when it comes to keeping your smile healthy. In fact, between 5%-8% of Americans avoid the dentist completely due to these fears. While the negative effects of this avoidance may not be completely obvious right away, not going to the dentist can lead to bad health conditions for your mouth.  

What is Dental Anxiety  

It is not uncommon to experience some feelings of anxiousness when seeking any kind of medical treatment. However, those experiencing dental anxiety will feel symptoms of anxiety well before their dentist appointment to the extent that they avoid going. Some symptoms of dental anxiety include 

  • Excessive sweating 
  • Aggressive behavior 
  • Panic attacks 
  • Heart palpitations 
  • Feeling faint 
  • Low blood pressure 

Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from receiving dental care! Here is how you can battle your dental anxiety to keep your smile healthy.  

Communicate with Your Dentist 

The first step to overcoming your anxiety is to fully communicate with your dentist. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to voice your fears; dentists are familiar with the anxieties some patients may experience. The right dentist will be very understanding and accommodating of your fears to ensure you are given the proper care providing you with the most comfort. A good practice is to establish a signal with your dentist beforehand to alert them if you are beginning to feel panicked or anxious. Since you likely won’t be able to talk during a procedure, discuss raising your hand or a similar sign to express you need a break. Communication with your dentist will go a long way to ensure you are comfortable.  

Breathing Exercises and Meditation 

A great practice before you show up to the dentist is to take some time to fully relax. This can get you in the right headspace before facing the dentist. Breathing techniques, stretching, and meditation are all great ideas that can reduce stress and anxiety.  

Bring Some Distractions with You 

Sometimes the best way to reduce anxiety is to take your mind off the stressful situation. Do you have certain music that calms you down? It may be a good idea to bring this with you to listen to during the procedure (as long as it won’t interfere with the dentist’s work). Besides this, a stress ball or fidget toy could help to reduce anxiety.  

Bring a Loved One with You 

You don’t have to face your fears alone! Don’t be afraid to bring a friend or loved one with you to the dentist. Having someone you trust to wait with you in the waiting room and provide a comforting presence can go a long way to reducing anxiety.  

Ask About Sedation Options 

If the thought of attending the dentist is overwhelming to you, then sedation dentistry may be the best option. Different sedation levels are available to make your dentist visit as smooth as possible. Some options still leave the patient fully conscious and relaxed while others put the patient completely under. To see which option is best for you, contact your dentist!  

Grimes Dentistry Will Keep You Comfortable  

Don’t risk disease and pain because you are too anxious to go to the dentist. Grimes Dentistry ensures our patients feel protected and safe as we deliver the highest quality dental care possible. Call now to see how we can help relieve your anxiety and treat your smile!  

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Grimes Dentistry

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Well, after what seems like a zillion appointments here since my first appointment in September, I finally got to meet the Amazing Alma this week! She was not only super competent at plugging in my yet two more crowns, but she was so very nice in talking to me about what to prioritize for my next (never-ending) visit(s). Alma has been practicing her job for 31 years at Grimes and it really shows, she is TRULY wonderful! And last week I got to meet with (yet again) the Sensational Cinnamon, whose magic she has performed in the past months on my teeth is unbelievable--my teeth look and feel so much better! Then getting the (yet more) temporary crowns were a breeze last week with the lovely and delightful Hope, who is always such a joy to see!!! Of course, the office staff is equally awesome, and it was good to see Cynthia and Lluvia (aka "Julia") who are always so kind, helpful and terrific. Looking forward to seeing you all in May!!! For the first time in my 60-something year life, I can actually say that I am looking forward to going to the dentist!!! Thanks everyone at Grimes Dentistry!! Thanks Dr. Grimes, for being so great and having such an absolutely wonderful dental practice!!!

- Cathy E

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I am a 60-something year old with dental anxiety my whole life, intermixed with periods of dental phobia (where you avoid going to dentists because you just can't deal with it). After spending Friday Sept 12, 2022 in urgent care with tooth pain, I got home about 3:30, reflected on a talk about 10 years ago that I had with my youngest sister about my dental issues. I asked her "How do you know if you need a root canal?" She said, "Trust me, there will be no options, you WILL go to a dentist!". She was right. So, I dug out my "2020-2021 Dental File" and found the Grimes Dentistry "Card" I got in snail mail over a year ago. I knew ways back when I received the card in the mail that they would be my next dentist because the "Card" said they do basically everything (root canals, crowns, gum disease therapy, etc.) and I needed a LOT!. That Card was the sole occupant in my file, except my updated insurance information that began in Sept. 2020. I took a few deep breaths and called, and Cynthia was so darn nice, convinced me to come in Monday (and she was far better than any anti-anxiety medication could ever be!). So, I showed up Monday morning, and met with Hope (who gave me "hope" that this would be a great dentist office), Then I had all kinds of stuff done, root canal and 2 crowns (one to replace a "bad one") and the lovely Lauren (who thankfully escaped from prison) was Dr. G's right-hand assistant. Then on the 20th and 21st I (actually) came back to meet Cinnamon (the spice of life) for my long-overdue cleaning and gum issues. Well, Cinnamon is clearly the best tooth picker west of the Mississippi (and such a delightful person)!!!! Then I (actually) came back for some other not so lovely stuff on Oct 6 (but it was OK!!). Ah, tomorrow I am scheduled to get three crowns. Well, not the crowns, but getting the three teeth "sawed off" so I can get the crowns. Can't say I am looking forward to it, but I WILL show up!!! Dr. Grimes and his assistants and staff are ALL so great. They are not only saving my teeth (the best that anyone can at this point), but they are saving my life!!!! My only regret is that I did not find Grimes Dentistry several decades ago. I have recommended them to about 6 people in last 3 weeks, several of which I learned have dental anxiety themselves!!! (I also spotted Dr. G watering the flowers and plants in the waiting room as I was checking out at 5pm on a Friday. He truly cares about his practice, his staff, and his patients). A+++

- Catherine E

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We have been with Grimes for over 30 years. I come from a family with very bad teeth! Dr Grimes has gotten me to a point where my teeth look better, feel better, and are just so much healthier! The staff is Great too! Thank you Grimes Dentistry!️

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Jessica was awesome, she made my visit today easier. She was very friendly and took good care of me

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Dr. Grimes took the time to explain the procedure and answer all our questions before getting started.

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Great staff!! Alma, Terri, Lauren and Dr Grimes have been great!! Everyone is so nice, polite and just such a great place of business!!

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I had a root canal done with Dr. Grimes and I always heard root canals were very painful! With Dr. Grimes there was no pain during or after my appointment. I was able to drive myself home and go to work the next day. I have not had any issues with that toot since. I would recommend Dr. Grimes to anyone having dental issues.

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This place is amazing, staff is friendly and professional. Dentist is excellent and quick and thorough Highly recommend

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This office is awesome everyone is So friendly and love Dr Mather he is very personable and informative and just the BEST!!! Would highly recommend this office

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I found my perfect dentist. Very pleased with the way all the proceedures were explained. Dr. Mathur made me very comfortable with his explanations. As a first time patient I felt right at home. Thank you.

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PERFECT. Every thing from the first point of contact to the parting words where nothing but perfection. Dr Grimes truly delivers service with a smell and a reassuring hand.

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The staff is amazing!! I love Dr.Grimes, he was my dentist for wisdom teeth removal and cavity fillings. He was so kind, gentle, and understanding. I also love my hygienist, Kristin S. She is absolutely amazing, she is amazing, sweet, and I love having conversations with her. Would definitely recommend coming here!

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Amazing staff!! It is such a nice atmosphere!

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Dakota took great care of my daughter..she is caring and very professional and explained everything she was going to be doing. We will return!

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New to the area and my very first dental visit in Lubbock. What an amazing team and program. Kristen was my dental hygienist--experienced, professional, compassionate, patient and informative--at every step of what ended up being a couple hour session. Dr Grimes was approachable, easy to talk to, clearly an expert and made me feel welcome as a new and somewhat anxious patient. I cant recommend this practice highly enough and feel so lucky to have made Grimes Dental my first choice in Lubbock.

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Everyone at Grimes dentistry was extremely friendly and extremely helpful. The dental assistants Katie,Alma and Hope explained everything fully, were very gentle and caring during my dental work. I give all of them five stars My dental hygienist Alex took time to explain things to me, was very personable, very caring and concerned about my overall comfort during the procedures. She is absolutely the best. Dr. Grimes has put together a team that is second to none.I would recommend Grimes Dentistry to anyone who’s looking for any dental work!

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