Many people are afraid to go to the dentist.
Many people are afraid to go to the dentist. In fact, 5-8% of Americans avoid going to the dentist, even when they know they need to because they’re afraid. There are many reasons that someone might be afraid of the dentist, but this fear can be overcome. For the sake of your health, you need to.
Acknowledge The Problem
The first step is always to admit there’s an issue, and it is the same here. Until you admit to yourself that fear is keeping you from getting the dental healthcare you need, you won’t be able to overcome that fear.
Discover The Cause
Next, figure out the root of your fear so that you can figure out how to confront or circumvent it. Did you have a traumatic and painful experience as a child (or an adult)? Do you have a general anxiety disorder? Do you know you have issues and simply fear the procedure? Is it the vulnerability of laying back in the chair?
Seek Help If Needed
If your fear is more intense and debilitating than you can handle on your own, consider seeking out a professional. This is especially true if your phobia is linked to PTSD from an earlier experience.
Meet Your Dentist
Once you’re ready to tackle this fear, make a plan to meet your dentist without them doing any work. Simply getting to know the person aside from the profession may ease some of your fears.
Ask For Help Honestly
Be honest with the dentist about your fears and about where they come from. It is likely that they will be able to help you. If it is the sound of the drill that you hate, they may be able to let you use noise-canceling headphones. If it is leaning back in the chair, they may be able to let you sit up slightly. If your fear is in being vulnerable, they may allow you to have a friend or family member come with you. They may even provide relaxation dentistry. If the dentist doesn’t know about your fears, they can’t help you addresses them.
Distract Yourself
When it is time to go to your appointment, distract yourself. Bring something to listen to on your earbuds, meditate to calm yourself down, or silently recite something unrelated, like a speech from a play or the alphabet backward. If you occupy your mind with other things the time may seem to go faster.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Dental Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.