Dental fear is one of the most common fears. About 25% of the population avoids going to the dentist due to fear. This fear can lead to serious dental problems. Here are some tips to help you ease your dental fear.
Discuss your worries and fears with your dentist
Don't avoid visiting the dentist just because of a bad experience in the past or because you are scared of dental procedures. A dentist who understands your fear and anxiety is the best person to work out a plan to ease you through it. Talk to him about your fears and give him a chance to explain every procedure in detail to you to help you calm down. If needed, you can also arrange another visit with him to discuss this further.
Agree on a signal with your dentist
Agree on signals that you can give to the dentist whenever you need a break during the treatment so you can stop the procedure without being rude about it.
Ask a friend or relative to come with you for support
When visiting the dentist's office, some people may feel nervous and even scared. In this case, you could ask someone to come with you on your visit. Just knowing that you have someone there with you may help you feel more at ease and less nervous. Your friend or relative can also provide support by sitting next to you and holding your hand during the procedure. Alternatively, they can simply chat with you to distract you from the procedure taking place nearby.
Bring distractions to occupy your mind during procedures
Other things to keep in mind to help ease your dental fears include bringing a distraction. For example, bring a book to read while you are waiting in the waiting room or even a portable tablet to keep yourself entertained. In some cases, patients can bring their headphones to listen to their favorite music as well. Bringing items like this can help you stay focused on something other than the upcoming procedure. Finally, try to schedule appointments early in the morning when you have fewer things to do later in the day so that you can
Ask for sedation dentistry
On the same note, consider sedation dentistry if you are highly anxious. Sedation can help you feel more at ease and comfortable during your dental treatment. Most of our patients feel highly relaxed after a sedative prescription and have little to no memory of the dental treatment. Talk to your dentist to know more.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn more about our dental treatments and how it can transform your smile!
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