A considerable portion of the population has a fear of the dentist. Some people are so scared that they no longer have the courage to visit the dentist at all. This can make any dental or gum problems deteriorate over time. Luckily, there are numerous methods to deal with or conquer this anxiety.
People who evade a visit to the dentist may experience obvious difficulties with their teeth. These problems cause you pain and inflammation, and the appearance of your teeth will also deteriorate. This makes for an unpleasant sight and can hurt your confidence.
Fear of the dentist: What may be the underlying causes?
Dental phobia can be caused by a variety of factors. In most cases, the person experiencing anxiety has had a traumatic experience at the dentist. It’s possible that a previous dental appointment did not go as planned, or that you equate a visit to the dentist with anxiety. It’s also likely that the dentist’s fear has been passed down from a family member or friend, causing you to panic.
It is important for patients to realize at a young age that going to the dentist is necessary and not frightening. This way, any fearful feelings will vanish, and the child will feel more at ease. It is vital that one of the parents attends the check-up, particularly for young children.
Older children may choose to go alone, which promotes a greater sense of self-confidence. When you are present at your child’s check-up or care, it is recommended that you do not make false promises and just let the dentist do his or her job. If you reassure a child that the treatment will not harm him or her and your child still experiences pain as a result of the treatment, his or her confidence will suffer.
When a child holds up during a dental appointment, several dentists have a bundle of small presents on hand. This may be a bouncing ball or something else, but your child would undoubtedly equate a trip to the dentist with a happy ending. You may also devise a nice incentive for yourself, such as going to bed an hour later or doing something else small.
How to overcome your fear of the dentist?
The ghost tales of the past have long since disappeared. Visits to the dentist are no longer as frightening as they once were, thanks to new technical advancements, and you don’t need to be concerned. Almost any procedure can now be done painlessly using local anesthetics, for example.
However, it is always a good idea to speak to your dentist about your concerns. Your dentist will be able to properly determine the right way for you to feel as little anxiety as possible as a result of this. Consultation fosters a sense of mutual confidence, and your dentist will, for example, free up more time while you are undergoing care.
Sometimes, people are relieved as it turns out that all will go smoothly, and their anxiety fades. Many people’s anxiety will subside until they understand what is going on. If you’re nervous about going to the dentist, having some control over the situation will help. Arrange with your dentist, for example, to lift your hand when you need a break or to show that you are in pain. You will be in charge and will be able to escape feelings of intense fear and inability.
Severe fear: a phobia of the dentist
You have a dentist phobia if you want to stop going to the dentist in any way imaginable. People who have phobias avoid the root of their anxiety, so anyone who has a dental phobia would do anything to avoid going to the dentist. The longer you put off a check-up or medication, the more likely it is that the necessary procedures will become more complicated. Since your teeth are rotting and there are no interim checks or therapies to keep them strong, the problems are likely to pile up.
It often helps to talk to others about your fear. These people can motivate and support you in finding the right help. Feel free to ask friends or acquaintances what their experience is with their own dentist. This way you will hear different opinions and you can decide for yourself which dentist is right for you. It is important that you make the first appointment yourself so that you do not feel forced and short of breath. When you schedule your initial appointment, you should clarify that it is only for a check-up and presentation and that no work will be done on your teeth the first time.
Whatever your level of apprehension, there is always a dentist who will ensure that you are not afraid. This depends on the person, but it is often better to prevent than to treat. So that no one is shocked. Speak to your dentist ahead of time and express your fears. There are also anxiety dentists, and it is possible to get care under anesthesia using nitrous oxide sedation ensuring that you feel less pain and anxiety.
Follow Dr. Pascal Terjanian blog and social media to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
