You Can Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist
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You Can Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist
Jack R. Landry is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to general and cosmetic dentistry. He recommends (http://www.BakersfieldSmileDesign.com) as a dentist in Bakersfield, CA.
Okay so maybe it isn’t fear of the actual chair you suffer from, but the dental procedures themselves. And if you have a weird dentist, you may even be afraid of him!
It begins with a little ache when you chew or brush your teeth. But then it turns into a very, very painful toothache.
Sharp pain when you bite down can cause pain into your face and down your neck. You realize you need to get it treated and the fear sets in.
People fear dentists more than any other doctor. So why is that?
Ask yourself these questions to rate the level of your fear of visiting your dentist.
- Do I put off going to the dentist as long as possible?
- Do I feel my hear beating rapidly once I get into the dentist chair?
- Do I feel anxious or helpless in the office?
- Does the thought of a dental injection bring out my caveman instincts of “fight or flight”?
- Do I feel as if I cannot breathe once the dentist starts poking around?
- Do I wish I could be put out during the procedures?
- The night before my appointments do I feel anxious and want to cancel?
If you answered “yes” to 3 or more of these questions then you do indeed have dental fear and anxiety. Talk to your dentist and his staff about your fear.
Take it seriously and your dentist should as well. Then you should be offered options to increase your comfort.
Now let us see where your fear is originating from. Consider these possibilities:
- I am embarrassed by my teeth and think that my dentist will judge my personal hygiene because of it.
- I have had a bad experience in the past.
- Do I get my fear from TV, magazines, friends and family who portray dentists as scary?
- My fear was passed on to me from my parents and/or siblings.
- I feel claustrophobic when in the chair.
- Shots hurt and I am afraid of needles.
There are some dentists who have a poor bed side, or chair side, manner. And these guys can really make you to feel more anxious than you already do.
If you find this is the case with your dentist, it is very easy to find another one; just open your phone book! The best way is to ask your friends and family for referrals.
So now that you know what causes your dental fear, what can you do about it? As mentioned earlier, talk to your dentist and the staff about this.
Trust me, you are not the only patient with fear like this; it is quite common! If your dentist is not compassionate, then find a new one.
Dental procedures are not supposed to hurt. There are many ways to relieve your pain and discomfort so ask what your options are.
If your dentist is unusually rough or inappropriate, you can report him to the state Dental Board. Make a conscious effort to overcome your dental fear. Set your mind to it.
Talk it out to yourself and realize that it can be overcome. During your appointment, take deep breaths and let them out slowly.
Remember, the needle itself is not the major cause of shot discomfort, but it is the pressure and volume of the numbing agent being injected. Try to see it as a help to you instead of a pain to be endured.
Stop the cycle. Dental fear is learned and can be unlearned.
You can pass on these fear-reducing techniques when your friends or family develop a toothache and express their fears to you. You CAN overcome your dental fear with the right resolve, dentist, and staff helping you.
If you can overcome this, you will find yourself having better overall dental health and much better experiences in the future.
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