4 Effective Ways of Overcoming Dental Anxiety

A certain amount of fear is normal while visiting a dentist, or any other doctor for that matter. However, if that fear is coming in the way of your oral health and preventing you from visiting a dentist, you are probably suffering from dental anxiety, fear or phobia.

Dental anxiety, fear or phobia are often triggered by particular experiences or events, including:

Pain: Most people are afraid of the pain they experience while the dentist deals with their teeth, particularly those having a low pain threshold.

Past Experience: Most patients develop dental anxiety because of a previous bad experience, such as an earlier treatment that was painful or brought complications.

Losing Control: Many people feel that they have lost control, become helpless and been trapped when they lie before the dentist and the dentist hover over their heads and check their mouth.

Embarrassment: A few patients also feel embarrassed or ashamed when dentists probe inside their mount and check their teeth and gums. They may also feel ashamed when the dentist comes very near to examine their mouths.

How to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Following are a few effective ways with which you can overcome your dental anxiety.

1.Identify Your Fears

To better address your feelings, you should identify exactly what you are feared of. Jot down your fears, so that you can discuss about them better. This will not only help you identify them, but will also help your dentist in explaining you what’s its cause and how to deal with it.

2. Choose the Right Dentist

A very large part of overcoming your dental anxiety can depend on choosing the right dentist like a Parker Dentist to work with. Search through local listings and ask for recommendations from friends and family.

Once you sort out a few names, call each of them and check how the staff attends you, whether they sound indifferent or concerned and helpful. Did the dentist call back? Do you feel comfortable while talking with them? You can even schedule an appointment to see the dentist in person.

During the visit, note if the place is clean and comfortable to make you feel relaxed. If it is, there are more chances that they will help you overcome your anxiety more effectively.

3. Communicate

The very basis of a good relationship is communication. Even before you schedule an appointment with the dentist, it’s better to convey your fear to them. This will help dentist to gauge your status and custom an action plan suited to your requirements. In general, dentists would develop signals and cues if you wish to take breaks or stop the treatment if you are getting uncomfortable.

4. Bring a Companion

Bringing someone with whom you feel secure and comfortable for the dental appointment will make you feel safe and assured. If possible, let your companion accompany you even during a procedure. Ensure that your companion is not suffering from dental anxiety though.

Overcome your fears with these tips so that you can keep your teeth and gums in the best shape with the help of the right dentist.