If the thought of a visit to the dentist’s office makes you cringe, you’re definitely not alone. Nearly 40% of the world’s population suffers from dental anxiety, and even a routine cleaning and checkup is enough to cause significant stress. The good news is, your dentist understands, and that’s why there are sedation options such as oral medication or nitrous oxide (better known as “laughing gas”) to help you relax during treatment. Although these methods are very effective, they’re not the only methods your dentist uses to ease your nervousness when you come to visit them at their office. Keep reading to learn more about how your local sedation dentist uses art to promote a calm and peaceful atmosphere for you.
How Does Your Sedation Dentist Use Art to Calm Your Nerves?
There is a reason why art museums are usually quiet and serene when you enter a gallery space. It’s because art has a way of calming the mind, as long as it has not been designed to have an adverse effect. Many artists will tell you that part of the desired outcome of their piece was to take you to a different reality. Here are a few ways your dentist utilizes art to help you overcome dental anxiety:
Cultivating a Soothing Space
When you look at a piece of art that features a vast meadow landscape or even crashing waves upon the rocks of a beautiful beach, can’t you almost smell the flowers and taste the salty ocean? It is much easier to relax in an environment where you can view art that takes you out of space and time, even if just for the moment.
Providing a Welcome Distraction for Younger Patients
It may not surprise you to hear that the majority of people who suffer from dental anxiety are children and adolescents. Many dental practices create fun and engaging wall art in rooms made specifically for children to spend time in or play while they wait to receive treatment. This makes life easier for them as well as their parents, as it can alleviate crying episodes or panic attacks.
Lightening the Mood
There is plenty of art out there that was specifically designed to evoke laughter and make you feel happier. Your dentist may choose to curate art that helps your brain produce more serotonin, which is the chemical responsible for making you feel happy. In fact, serotonin actually helps to combat feelings of anxiety and fear.
Sedation dentistry is an amazing gift to dentists and patients alike that has made it possible for people of all ages to receive dental treatment without having to endure severe emotional trauma. Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from receiving preventive dental care or the treatment you may need. Talk to your dentist today about the different sedation options that can help make the process much easier for you.
About the Practice
The team of experts at Ritchie Dental Group understands how frustrating it can be to struggle with dental anxiety. That’s why they make sedation dentistry and patient comfort top priorities at their practice. They are passionate about making sure that everyone they care for is able to receive whatever unique treatment or accommodations they may need. Their combined skills and years of experience make them a great choice for your next dental checkup. Request a consultation online at either of our convenient locations in Marble Falls or Brady or call (830) 693-8833.
