Need To Go To The Dentist? How To Overcome Your Fear

If you have a fear of the dentist, you most likely try to avoid going to one at all costs. You may put off having procedures done or keeping on top of cleanings. It can cause you to have problems arise with your teeth if you do not take proper care of them. It is recommended that you go to the dentist for teeth cleanings twice a year. Here are some tips that you can use to overcome your fear of the dentist.

Search For The Underlying Problem

If you can figure out why you have such a fear of the dentist. you may have a better chance at solving the problem. Is it a fear of being confined? Is it fear of the unknown? Are you scared of the equipment a dentist uses? Do you have a fear of your regular doctor, as well? If you are able to pinpoint why, you can take the proper steps in fixing this.

Call For An Appointment

You will first want to make a phone call and let the receptionist know that you have a fear of the dentist. If they seem sympathetic, ask if you can make an appointment to visit the dental office without having any work done. Also see if you can meet the dentist at this time. Going to see where the cleanings will occur can help alleviate fear of the unknown. 

Sit with the dentist and tell them about your fear. If the dentist seems sympathetic, you may be able to make an appointment for a cleaning. If the dentist does not seem all that caring, move on to another practice, such as Smile Designers Family Dentistry.

When you have found a dentist that you like, see if they would be willing to tell you about the cleaning procedure step by step so that you can get a sense about how it will be done. If you are feeling daring, see if they will allow you to sit in a dentist's chair.

The Day Of The Appointment

You will most likely be very nervous on the day of your appointment. You will want to bring a book or a cell phone to distract you when you are in the waiting area. Use coping mechanisms such as deep breathing exercises or playing with a stress relieving ball. You might want to bring a friend or loved one with you to give you moral support.

When you get into the dentist's chair, ask the dentist to tell you what is happening each step of the way. Ask them to go slow and to stop if you ask them too. If you know that there is no pressure, and that the dentist will only do as much as you allow, you will be able to cope better with the entire teeth cleaning process.

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