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Feeling nervous about an upcoming oral surgery is completely normal. Whether it’s the thought of being unconscious, worries about post-operative nausea, or discomfort with oxygen masks, anxiety can make the experience harder than it needs to be.
At AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we believe in giving you practical tools—not just reassurances—to help you manage stress before and during your procedure. Below are actionable, psychologist-approved strategies you can start using today.
Table of Contents
- 1. Pinpoint Your Anxiety Triggers
- 2. Use Grounding Techniques to Stay Present
- 3. Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
- 4. Try Guided Mental Imagery
- 5. Use Deep Breathing Exercises to Calm Your Body
- 6. Adjust Your Pre-Procedure Routine
- 7. Keep Communication Open With Your Oral Surgery Team
- Let’s Make Your Procedure as Stress-Free as Possible
- FAQs
1. Pinpoint Your Anxiety Triggers
Managing dental fear starts with identifying the specific issues that cause stress. These may include:
- Claustrophobia from masks used with nitrous oxide or anesthesia
- Fear of unconsciousness with General Anesthesia
- Fear of pain during or after the procedure
- Concern about post-operative nausea
By sharing these with your surgical team, adjustments can be made, such as anti-nausea medication, modified sedation methods, or extra reassurance during your visit.
2. Use Grounding Techniques to Stay Present
If anxious thoughts are taking over, grounding can help you refocus on your surroundings. The 5-4-3-2-1 method works well in the dental chair:
- 5 things you see
- 4 things you touch
- 3 things you hear
- 2 things you smell
- 1 thing you taste
This shifts attention away from fear and toward the present moment.
3. Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)
PMR reduces muscle tension linked to anxiety. Starting with your toes, tense each muscle group for 5 seconds, then slowly release. Work upward toward your head. Doing this before your dental procedure can help you physically relax when you’re in the treatment room.
4. Try Guided Mental Imagery
Imagining a peaceful setting—like a quiet beach or forest—can lower your heart rate and make the surgical setting feel less intimidating. Add details: the warmth of the sun, the sound of waves, the smell of pine. You can even bring a guided imagery recording to listen to during your procedure.
5. Use Deep Breathing Exercises to Calm Your Body
Breathing is one of the fastest ways to ease dental phobia. Box breathing is effective before anesthesia or nitrous oxide administration:
- Inhale for 4 seconds
- Hold for 4 seconds
- Exhale for 4 seconds
- Hold for 4 seconds
This helps regulate your heart rate, lower tension, and signal your body to relax.
6. Adjust Your Pre-Procedure Routine
A few simple changes can set you up for a calmer experience:
- Eat a light, surgeon-approved meal to reduce nausea risk
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to avoid feeling restricted
- Bring calming distractions, such as music or a podcast, for the waiting room
- Avoid excess caffeine, which can raise your heart rate and anxiety levels before surgery
7. Keep Communication Open With Your Oral Surgery Team
Anxiety decreases when you feel heard and supported. Let your surgical team know:
- Any previous experiences that increased your dental fear
- If nitrous oxide or General Anesthesia causes you concern
- Your preferred relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or guided imagery
Our team can adjust your care plan to match your comfort needs.
Let’s Make Your Procedure as Stress-Free as Possible
At AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, our team combines advanced surgical expertise with patient-focused care to help you feel confident from consultation to recovery. Whether you need wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, jaw surgery, or another procedure, we will work with you to address your concerns and create a comfortable experience.
Call us today to schedule your consultation at one of our five convenient Arizona locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Show Low and let us help you prepare with peace of mind.
To book an appointment at any one of our locations, call or text (480) 830-5866.
FAQs
Many people experience some level of dental fear, especially before oral surgery. The good news is that relaxation techniques and open communication can make a big difference.
Nitrous oxide—often called “laughing gas”—can reduce anxiety and help you feel more at ease during dental treatment. It wears off quickly and allows you to remain conscious.
Deep breathing has been shown to lower blood pressure, slow heart rate, and reduce the body’s stress response during medical and dental treatments.
Talk to your surgeon about what to expect. Ask them what the procedure involves, how much pain you can expect to feel (if any), and what to expect after surgery. Oftentimes the fear of pain is far worse than the pain itself.
