You’re not alone if you’re feeling nervous about an upcoming dental visit. Many people become anxious when it’s time for their appointment, especially when they’re undergoing a complex service, such as placing dental implants.
Fortunately, your provider understands that you might be on edge and will do everything they can to help you remain calm and comfortable throughout your visit. For instance, did you know that the décor they’ve selected for their office might have been chosen to help ease your frayed nerves? Continue reading to learn more about how their artistic choices can help reduce your dental anxiety!
Can Artwork Reduce Anxiety?
Would you be surprised to learn that, according to the American Psychiatric Association, an estimated 46% of Americans use creative activities to relieve stress or anxiety? In fact, one study conducted found that 78% of people with mental health issues showed significant improvement after art therapy.
Although engaging in creative endeavors shows clear benefits for your mood and mental capacity, you likely won’t be coloring pictures or painting while waiting for your dental procedure to begin. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t benefit from the artwork and color choices used to decorate their office.
How Does My Provider Use Art to Help Me Stay Calm?
Most oral healthcare providers strive to create a welcoming environment that helps their patients feel relaxed and well cared for. They want to make each visit as comfortable as possible, and there’s a good chance this was taken into consideration when they chose artworks for the walls and colors for the waiting room.
For instance, natural scenes in soft, natural tones tend to be more soothing to people than jarring, abstract art in bright or harsh hues. Your prosthodontist might therefore choose to feature landscapes on the walls or place plants to help bring nature indoors.
How Else Can My Provider Help Me Feel Comfortable
Although the interior design of the dental office can help create a more relaxed environment, that’s not the only way they can help reduce tension. Many also offer options for sedation so that if one medication isn’t suitable for whatever reason, you might still benefit from another.
For instance, they may offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that’s administered through a gas mask placed over your nose while they work. However, they might recommend oral conscious sedation, which is taken as a pill, or IV sedation, which is administered directly to the bloodstream, depending on your unique needs.
If you’re overly worried about an upcoming procedure, you can contact your provider to discuss options to help reduce your anxiety!
About the Practice
At Pioneer Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, patients benefit from a team of experts eager to help them improve their oral health. Our providers collaborate to offer a variety of complex procedures to strengthen your smile while improving its appearance and functionality. They also offer various options for sedation to help you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout your treatment. You can contact the office through the website or by calling (402) 483-7631.