Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist

So you're scared of the dentist? Don't worry, you're not alone. Here are some helpful guidelines to help you overcome your fear, or at least not let it keep you from visiting the dentist.

Steps

 * 1) Find out what you're afraid of and analyze the situation: This is vital. Have you been traumatized by past painful dental visits? Do the sights, sounds or smells make you panic? Are you doctor-phobic? Is it the unknown--perhaps not knowing what that tool in your mouth is doing? Or perhaps you're afraid of the expense.
 * 2) Take the time to find a dentist you like and trust: Start by asking friends and relatives. Ask them about what kind of dentistry they've had done, what their experiences have been, how expensive the treatments have been, how good their dentist is at pain control and making a patient feel as comfortable as possible.  Find a dentist who is good at dealing with YOUR particular fears.
 * 3) Call a dental school for referrals in your area. If expense is your issue, many dental schools provide quality care at reduced prices and easy payment plans.
 * 4) Don't put it off: The more frequently you visit a dentist, the less work needs to be done at any one visit. Simply having your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year prevents many, if not most, problems.
 * 5) If you don't want to listen to what's going on, take music: Just sit back, plug in the earphones, close your eyes, and focus on the lyrics, turning down your music when required. Listening to music is a pain killer.
 * 6) Accept that the unknown is what's most scary of all: The tools dentists use can be scary. Before they insert tools into your mouth, ask what they're doing, and what the tool is used for.
 * 7) Recognize that the dentist is there to help you: Really. Dentists are health care professionals who just want to improve your oral health, and generally won't judge you or the state of your mouth.  They will do all they can to ensure a trauma-free and pain-free experience.
 * 8) Exercise your freedom to leave.If you don't like the dentist, it is OK to LEAVE!  Again, the first step is finding a dentist you like and trust.  You are the consumer!
 * 9) Relax: Inhale slowly, expanding your tummy to the count of five. Hold your breathe for ten seconds, then exhale slowly to the count of eight.  Repeat.  And repeat again every time you start tensing up.  Try to close your eyes and listen to music.  Concentrate on making out every word of the lyrics.  It's easier if you're not totally focused on what's going on in your mouth.
 * 10) Brush and Floss Before Going: It's a good thing to do.

Tips

 * Here are some tips from a professional: Dentistry has come a long way.  There is very little, if any, pain associated with any procedure performed at a dental office.  The anesthetics used for injections are profound and should completely numb the area being worked on.  There is even an anesthetic used before the injection so you are already numb before you even get the shot that numbs you!
 * Here is a tip from a terrified patient: Some professionals will not admit that some patients can't be numbed adequately.  This is a fact.  If your dentist doesn't believe this and pain is your issue, find another dentist who's willing to work with you.
 * Anesthetics are not 100% effective for 100% of the population. If pain is your fear, be very clear up front in communicating this to your doctor, along with your past experiences.  Don't be afraid to dentist-shop until you find one willing to work with you.  If your dentist doesn't take your past dental pain experiences seriously, find another dentist.
 * If all else fails, it is possible to have all your dental work done under IV sedation. Ask your regular dentist or a dental school for a referral.  It's expensive, but less so than losing your teeth.
 * Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas" is widely used in most dental practices and will relax you as well as heighten your pain threshold. If you are too nervous about Intravenous sedation, and nervous about the dental work, consult your dentist about this option. It is done by simply putting a nose mask on and breathing through your nose. Depending on the procedure, different amounts of nitrous oxide will be administered for the appropriate time.

Related Tips and Steps

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 * How to Take Care of Your Teeth
 * How to Cope With the Fear of Fire
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