Stop Being Afraid of Dental Treatment

While going to the dentist can be a good step in the direction of better health, it can bring forth fears that might convince a person not to have any dental work done.

Steps

 * 1)  Find a competent dentist.  This is a major part of the process.  Do not skimp here.  Since all dentists require licensing, they should all be qualified.  Talk to friends and family about the dentists they use.  If given the name of a group practice, be sure to find out which dentist it is that they see.  Ask them what they like and what they dislike about the time they spend in the office.
 * 2)  Contact the dentist's office.  Ask the questions for which you haven't received answers.  Review those that you do at this time, too.  If you prefer one type of anesthetic over another (gas vs. local anesthetic), make sure it's available.  If the cost of services is part of the fear, inquire about insurances accepted.  Some group practices and franchises (individual dentists might, too) will finance all or part of the work at very reasonable rates.
 * 3)  Ask questions before the dentist starts any major processes. If you know what the dentist is going to do, it can help you to prepare for it and lessen the anxiety you feel. Not every dental procedure involves drilling and extracting teeth, and knowing that he is just getting a better look at something can make you feel a little more relaxed.
 * 4)  Express your concerns to the dentist. Most dentists know that people naturally fear being in "The Chair", expressing your worries and fears can let the dentist know what is bothering you, and make him more likely to be attentive of your cautiousness.
 * 5)  Don't hold your breath. Holding your breath is a reflex action that we do when we are under stress. Not only is it a unnecessary behavior, but it can make any pain seem amplified.
 * 6)  Try not to tense up when the dentist goes to work. This can actually make the dentist nervous. It'll be over far sooner than you think it will, so just calm down and let the dentist work.

Tips

 * Take a book. Reading things that you don't find in the dentists office (like tooth care advice) in the waiting room can help you forget some of the fear. If you have a favorite magazine or novel, this would be a great way to pass the waiting time.


 * Thank the dentist. If s/he has proven to you that they have mastered the "art of painless dentistry" let him or her know!  Let friends and family know that you've found a great dentist.


 * See your dentist regularly. Doing this will minimize the potential for discomfort (physically and financially) as "problems" never get the chance to get "out of control".

Warnings

 * Try not to blame the dentist if you do encounter discomfort. Some procedures will be uncomfortable but it is highly unlike that the dentist is 'doing it on purpose'.