One in four people are afraid to visit the dentist and it’s not just a child’s thing. Some have such a phobia of the dentist that they haven’t visited him in years.
That fear can respond to several motivations: the fear that the treatment will hurt, the panic of needles or the rejection of the sounds and smells of the dental clinic, which can bring back bad childhood memories.
Advances in technology have transformed the methods of the industry, which can now offer totally painless treatments.
Therefore, here are 8 tips to help overcome the fear or anxiety of going to the dentist:
1. Find a supportive dentist
You can ask your friends and acquaintances or specifically look for a professional highly recommended for its attention and service.
2. Visit the clinic before the first consultation
Before you make your first appointment, visit the clinic. Meet the receptionist and dentist, and see what the atmosphere is like. You can also let them know of your fear or insecurity from the dentist.
3. Choose an appointment first thing in the morning
This way you will have less time to think about your fear and accumulate anxiety during the day.
4. Don’t arrive early for your appointment
Try to arrive on time so you don’t have to wait at the clinic. In the waiting room you may feel more anxious about sounds and smells.
5. Plan a “smooth” first appointment
The first visit can be a check-up or a cleaning, and you can take advantage of it as a way to get to know your dentist a little more in a totally anxiety-free visit. Do not get into fillings, root canal and anesthesia at first. When you feel more comfortable you can proceed to do more complicated treatments.
6. Agree on a sign to let you know you’re uncomfortable
You can agree with your dentist on a specific sign to indicate that you need a break and want it to stop. It may be simply pointing your finger or raising your hand but it will make you feel more in control.
7. Bring your own music to relax and distract you
Don’t forget your headphones and your favorite music to relax while the dentist does his job. Time will pass much faster and you probably do not hear so much the sounds that can generate discomfort.
8. If you have a severe phobia, explore the possibility of sedation.
A local cream on your gums can cause you to not feel the injection of anesthesia.
But there are also modern anesthesia systems with a “dental magic wand” that looks like a pen and administer anesthesia so slowly that the patient does not notice it.
There is also inhalation sedation that can be very useful to relax during the dental procedure. Finally, if the phobia is severe and the patient wishes it, there is also intravenous sedation during treatment, through the hand or arm. Anesthesia doesn’t have to put you to sleep, you can stay awake and talk to your dentist.
Hopefully these tips will serve you and you can put them into practice so that when you go to the dentist it is a more enjoyable experience. Schedule your review appointment with us and keep your smile healthy and beautiful!
