Dental fear is a common phobia, and it affects millions of people. Many people have a fear of the dentist, but there are ways to cope with this fear.
Discuss your fear with your dentist
Dentists are professionals who have been treating patients for years. They understand all kinds of fears and pain aversions. Discussing your concerns will help ease your fears and prepare you for the treatment so you won’t be surprised or shocked.
Many patients who experience anxiety resort to postponing their dental visits and dealing with their oral problems much longer than they should. This only makes them even more anxious about visiting the dentist’s office. It is much better to discuss your concerns with your dentist first and get offered the best solutions available for you before things get worse.
Failing to discuss and work out a plan with your dentist about your fear and anxiety may mean that the procedure will be longer than it should be. It is also likely that you will experience more discomfort than you should because of the struggle you have to go through just to overcome your fear.
Right after discussing your fears and setting expectations for the dental visit, it is time to see what you can do to make the process more comfortable for you. This will entail making a list of the things that will distract you from thinking about the treatment so you can focus your attention elsewhere. You may also bring a friend or a family member for support during the procedure.
Agree on a signal
During your procedure, you may feel uncomfortable and will want to stop midway. It is very important to communicate this to your dentist so that he knows when the treatment needs to be paused. If your dentist is aware of your condition, he will discontinue the procedure until you have fully recovered from whatever discomfort you were feeling.
You can politely tell him using a signal like a hand raise that you feel uneasy and would like to take a break. This will give your dentist a chance to pause the treatment at your command.
Take a friend or family member for support
Fear of the dentist is so common that over 90% of patients experience it to some degree. However, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America states that only 15-20% of people with anxiety seek treatment for their condition. This is why if you are afraid of going to the dentist, sharing your concerns with your dentist is crucial. Your dentist can help you manage your fears and ease your tension by explaining what is going to happen during your procedure beforehand and discussing options to ease the discomfort you may feel. By encouraging you to discuss your fears openly, your dentist can recommend the best treatment options for you. In some cases, taking a family member or a friend along for support can help as well. This applies especially to patients undergoing longer treatments such as oral surgery. Having someone by your side to talk to can significantly help to make you feel more at ease. There are also patients who find it easier to cope when listening to music, watching television, or bringing a book to read during their appointment. Ask your dental office if they allow this and if they provide headphones for your use.
To learn more about our dental procedures, call us at (909) 314-1783 and schedule an appointment with our dentist in Fontana, CA.
8275 Sierra Ave STE 102, Fontana, CA 92335
