Let’s face it! Fear of the dentist isn’t a new phenomenon. It affects most people around the world. Who likes the idea of a dentist holding drills to pluck out a tooth or two? This isn’t a pleasant experience.
Nevertheless, dental health forms an integral part of your health overall. Even the slightest dental issues can be life-threatening if left unattended. If you suffer from the dentist’s fear, you have no option but to deal with it.
Check out practical ways to overcome dental fear and anxiety:
- Seek dental services from experts
There are various dentists in most cities. For instance, Smile Place Dental extends affordable dental in three locations, and you can get services ranging from general, cosmetic to orthodontics. You may have developed fear due to previous terrible experiences from dentists. And it’s critical to seek help from professionals with a proven track record. Seek recommendations from loved ones on the best dentist near you.
- Go with a friend
For the first few visits, have a close friend accompany you. Being with someone you trust who doesn’t fear the dentist will help ease anxiety and make you more comfortable. It’s also advisable to schedule a consultation and gauge whether the dentist is someone you can trust. If you don’t feel comfortable, try seeking the services from another dentist.
- Ask questions
The best way to overcome fear and anxiety is by talking to your dentist. Express your worries and concerns, and the dentist will handle them appropriately. The dentist may also change their approach to make you more comfortable.
Ask any questions that you may have. The dentist will discuss and help you understand various dental health-related issues. These range from caring for your teeth, teeth whitening to cosmetic procedures like dentures, and braces.
- Relax!
Take time to clear your mind before your dental visit. Schedule your appointments for morning hours. You’re likely to get stressed by other issues during the day and will aggravate your fear.
Consider relaxation techniques like taking a big breath, then hold and let it out slowly. Doing this slows down your heartbeat and slackens your muscles.
- Regular dental visits
Regular dental visits are critical for healthy teeth. They can also help you overcome the fear of the dentist. Although you may find it scary at first, regular visits to the dentist will go a long way. Just have a positive attitude, and if possible, stick to one dentist. This way, you’ll likely feel more comfortable during the visits.
- Consider sedatives
Talk to your dentist about the sedatives available and whether they are appropriate. Some of the options available are, for example, oral sedatives, laughing gas, and intravenous sedation. However, over sedation is dangerous, and only a few dentists are qualified to administer IV sedation.
Conclusion
There are various reasons why people fear visiting the dentist. These range from injuries in previous appointments, terrible experiences to harsh health providers. However, most fears start in childhood, and there are numerous ways of dealing with them. Talk to your dentist about your concerns, and discuss the probable ways to help you overcome your fear.
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