Move Past Dental Anxiety and Phobia
Studies have noted that anywhere from 46% to 75% of the general population suffers from dental anxiety. This anxiety, as they anticipate pain, decreases their ability to tolerate dental procedures. When a patient is anxious and tense, their threshold for pain is lowered. Moving into the “fight or flight” mode increases the difficulty of any procedure as the anxiety increases. Unchecked, the stress feeds on itself and perpetuates.
Present Touch, modified for dental anxiety, is a combination of guided meditation, breath, visualization and movement exercises that help the patient become calmer before and during their dental appointment. Every session is customized to match the patient’s needs and where they are at that moment.
The patient is guided to places of ease, rather than pain or anticipated pain, by bringing their awareness to the places of release and comfort. They learn to redirect their responses to stress and gain an opportunity to calm themselves.
This combination of healing modalities reduces stress and allows the patient’s mind and body to relax. They become aware of the internal cues that signal comfort and peace so that they can tap into that space at will.
At this level of awareness, they learn to breathe effortlessly, experience true relaxation, stress relief and a sense of inner peace.
This process helps reduce anxiety and the physical and mental discomfort associated with dental procedures. The recovery process is sped up.
Cheryl Jacobs Wellness 