The majority of people experience a sense of unease whenever they think about going to the dentist.
From mild discomfort to anxiety and full-on phobia, fear of dental procedures is commonplace, harming dental and physical health.
People suffering from dental anxiety are more likely to put off routine appointments, choosing to undergo treatment only when they have extensive oral issues.
In recent years, dentistry developments focused on making patients feel relaxed and helping them overcome their fears.
Because unhealthy teeth and gums can lead to complicated health issues, it is critical to find a way to deal with your anxiety and fears.
Below are seven suggestions to help you overcome the fear of the dentist, keep your regularly scheduled appointments, and maintain good oral health.
Table of Contents
Determine the Cause of Your Fear
Fear of the dentist can result from previous bad experiences, low pain tolerance, aversion to needles, invasion of personal space by the dentist, and a perceived loss of control during treatment.
You can figure out which part of the dental procedure induces fear by searching through your past experiences at the dentist’s office.
Determining the main cause of your anxiety can help you better deal with your fears. For example, if you have had a negative experience in the past, try to figure out why it was bad.
Was the dentist careless, uncaring, or not qualified? If yes, you can assuage your fears by choosing a qualified and caring professional.
Find the Right Dentist
An experience with an unprofessional and incompetent dentist can cause dental fear, which would severely affect your health.
Therefore, it is important to take your time and conduct adequate research to find a dental practice that makes you feel comfortable and well cared for.
Before booking an appointment, go for a preliminary consultation at the dentist’s office. Take note of the general atmosphere, the staff’s attitude, and their efforts to put you at ease.
Make sure you feel at ease asking questions and communicating with both the staff and the dentist.
Ask Questions
Before you undergo any procedure, no matter how basic or invasive, ensure to obtain adequate information from the dentist.
You are allowed to ask questions about the treatment, the instruments to be used, and the sensations you will feel during the procedure.
The dentist should answer all your questions using terms that you can understand. In a situation where you get a generic answer to your questions, or your concerns are brushed aside, it might be best to find another practice.
Avoid Escalating Your Fear
The internet is filled with information about almost every subject there is, including dental issues.
However, it is essential to avoid self-diagnosis by searching out your symptoms as you might end up with the wrong diagnosis and cause yourself an undue amount of anxiety.
Rather than using the information you find on the web to lay out the worst-case scenario, talk to a professional first.
Scheduling an appointment for the middle of a workday or during a stressful period can increase tension and fear.
If possible, schedule your treatment in the morning when you are still relaxed from your night’s rest.
And do not forget to ask any and all questions you might have. If you found something on the Internet that you found particularly disturbing, discuss it with your dentist.
Practice Calming Techniques
You can practice techniques that will keep you calm and relaxed before and during the procedure.
Try to keep from thinking about the upcoming treatment the night before your appointment. Meditate or do yoga to reduce your anxiety level.
Watch movies and television shows on your mobile device before and during treatment to keep your mind occupied.
Listen to your favorite music while on the dentist’s chair to block out the sound of the drill and other instruments.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry involves putting a patient in a near-unconscious or unconscious state during a dental procedure.
Dentists utilize nitrous oxide, local anesthetic agents, and other sedative agents to keep the patient immobilized and relaxed.
It is essential to find a dental practice that understands their patients’ concerns, such as Napa Family Dental in Albuquerque, NM.
They do not believe that fears should stand in the way of getting the oral treatments that patients need and, therefore, provide sedation to ease anxieties.
Have A Companion
A friend, partner, or family member can accompany you to your appointment to provide emotional and physical support.
They can talk with you to distract you or provide a calming presence before the procedure. If permitted by the practice, they can hold your hand or reassure you during your treatment.
