How to Get Over Your Fear of the Dentist

Adults and children alike are vulnerable to fear of the dentist. All those whirring metallic tools, the possibility of receiving bad news about your oral health… it can all be a bit too much. If you don’t have the right tools to handle it. Here is everything you need to know to get over your fear of the dentist.

Ask the Dentist Lots of Questions, Including Sedation Options

Before you go to your next dental visit, find out everything you need to know about what procedures need to be done, how long it will take, and anything else that crosses your mind. Often, the fear of the unknown is far worse than the reality of what will occur – so put this fear to rest by arming yourself with a complete set of knowledge about what to expect at your visit.

And the questions don’t have to end there. Once you arrive for your appointment, don’t hesitate to ask questions during the exam and any procedures you’ll be undergoing.

Be sure to ask about sedation options for your dental procedure. Dental professionals are well aware many patients have anxiety and are fearful of pain. Progressive dental practices ensure patients are comfortable and will share that sedation options are there for a range of dental procedures, not just for “surgery”.

Choose the Right Dentist

Do not just choose the first dental practice that you see. Before committing to an appointment, ensure that the dentist’s temperament and personality is a good fit for you. Obviously you want someone experienced and knowledgeable first and foremost. But all the expertise in the world is no good to you if you don’t like the person who is providing treatment. If you need lots of reassurance during appointments, choose someone with the patience to provide that to you. If you need someone who is great at explaining complicated procedures in layman’s terms that anyone can understand, then make sure your dentist can do that.

Distract Yourself During Dental Procedures to Stay Calm

Modern dentists are well aware of the power of distraction to ease their patients’ feelings of fear during appointments. It is common to see overhead television sets for patients to watch while they are undergoing treatment. Others provide headphones with soothing music to drown out the whirring sounds of the tools used to clean and treat your teeth.

Worst case, if the distracting options available at your dentist don’t suit you, bring your own. For example, music lovers can bring a portable music device and their own earbuds (assuming your dentist doesn’t already provide them). Music isn’t your thing? How about listening to an audiobook, or a podcast?

Many patients also find meditation useful to calm their minds during dental procedures.

Last, but not least, if you have a chatty dentist, that quality alone may be sufficient to distract and calm your mind. Listening to interesting anecdotes that they share can be a great way to keep your mind occupied with pleasant things.

Those with Severe Phobias are NOT Alone (and there is Help)

Severe phobias of the dentist are fairly rare but of course, you’re not alone. If you suffer from this high degree of fear of the dentist, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a professional counselor. They can make a world of difference in your ability to manage your apprehension in a healthy way.

You CAN Get Over Your Fear of the Dentist

Whether it is with determination, sedation options or professional help if needed, you can overcome your fear of the dentist. Use these ideas as a starting point to getting past your worries, and always feel free to contact the professionals at Reflections Dental if you’d like to talk discuss your needs.