Scared Of The Dentist? How To Get Over Your Fear

Are you afraid of going to the dentist? If so, do you know why? Trying to get to the underlying problem behind your fear may help you to get over it. If you have a fear of the dentist, there are some methods that you can use to help you lessen the anxiety. Here are some tips that you can use to help you prepare for a trip to the dentist.

Finding The Cause

There are many reasons why you might be afraid of the dentist. You may have had an unfavorable experience in the past with a doctor or dentist, leaving you afraid to go to another. You may be afraid of the unknown. You may not like the idea of not being in control. You might not have a high tolerance for pain, and are afraid of how you will react in front of other people. If you can pinpoint exactly what it is that makes you fearful, it will provide help for your treatment. 

Getting Help

It may be in your best interest to go to a psychiatrist about your problem if it seems to be something that is too much for you to handle alone. You would be able to talk to them about your fear and get some coping mechanism tips to help you get through an appointment. This is if you have a severe fear. If you are afraid but not to the point of needing help with a phobia, you may be able to go to the dentist by taking some time to prepare for a visit.

Visit Ahead Of Time

Make a phone call to the dentist (such as one from Sunridge Landing Dental Care) asking if it would be alright to come in for a visit before making an appointment. Explain to them on the phone about your fear. If they don't seem very sympathetic, go to a different dentist. When you find someone on the phone that goes out of their way to make you feel important, make the visit.

Introduce yourself to the dentist. It may help to have the familiarity with the person doing the procedure before you make the appointment to have it done. Walk around the office, and sit in a dentist's seat to see how you feel knowing you won't be having work done that day. The more familiar you get with the procedures, the better you will be at the appointment.

Make The Appointment

On the day of your appointment, arrive early and relax in the waiting room before being called inside. Bring a distraction to help you keep calm, such as a book or a friend to talk to. When you get inside the room to have treatment, ask the dentist to explain the procedure step-by-step, as it is being done so you do not have any expected surprises. Most dentists will be happy to do this for you, and it can really help alleviate the fear. In no time, your appointment will be over and you will be proud of yourself for taking the time to make that visit beforehand.


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