Do you feel tense and nervous when it comes time to schedule an appointment with your dentist? Do you dread going in and worry about the potential pain and discomfort that lies ahead? You’re not alone.
According to Colgate, 30 million Americans experience anxiety and fear related to dental visits. With all the unusual, sharp tools we use in and around sensitive mouths, it’s no surprise that some of us are afraid. But of course, you have to go if you want to maintain a nice, healthy smile—so then how do you overcome your fear of dentists so that you are thankful rather than anxious for the trip?
Here are three ways to overcome fear of dentists.
1. Visit a sedation dentist. Our number one answer is sedation dentistry. Dentists who use sedation techniques are focused first and foremost on their patients’ comfort. Sedation helps patients feel calm and at ease, allowing the doctor to perform high-quality treatment in a short period of time.
2. Inform your dentist. If your dentist knows about your fear up front, they will be more conscious of your anxiety and take extra precautions to make sure you feel comfortable. They can walk you through the steps to make you feel more at ease or can stop any time you feel exceptionally tense.
3. Visit dentist regularly. This may seem counterintuitive, but what better way to overcome a fear than tackling it head-on? The more you visit your dentist, the faster you create a pattern and become used to the situation (not to mention the added bonus of preventing future problems and avoiding procedures). This simply means routine cleanings every three to six months, depending on your dentist’s recommendation.
As a practitioner of sedation dentistry, I recognize how serious fear and anxiety can be for many patients. If it’s time for a cleaning but you are suffering from this fear, please contact us today and let us talk through your options. Our number one goal is to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
