Research suggests that 25% of us have a fear of going to the dentist. That fear will undoubtedly mean different things to different people, with some simply preferring not to go for a check up to others having physical symptoms of their fear and anxiety.
While the fear itself it obviously unwelcome and unpleasant, it can have a knock on impact on your oral health. If your nerves and anxiety stops you from either having a regular check up or even seeking treatment when something is wrong, then your teeth, gums and general health can suffer as a result.
While the fear itself it obviously unwelcome and unpleasant, it can have a knock on impact on your oral health. If your nerves and anxiety stops you from either having a regular check up or even seeking treatment when something is wrong, then your teeth, gums and general health can suffer as a result.
It is therefore important that you tackle the source of your fear and do all you can to get it under control.
How to ease your fear
The first thing you ought to do is speak to your dentist. If you don’t have one (because it has been so long since you last visited one) take some time to research dentists in your local area. You will want to find someone who is able to understand, and sympathise with your fear of seeing treatment.
The receptionist should be able to answer any questions you might have, and will arrange for you to come to the surgery so you can have a look around before signing up to be a patient.
When the time comes to make your appointment then it is advisable to go for an early morning one. Even if this does not necessarily suit your normal routine, it is best to get the appointment over and done with as quickly as possible. An afternoon appointment will allow you to dwell on it for longer and will do nothing to calm your nerves.
Remember that the appointment you have made with your new dentist will simply be a check up. This will give you the opportunity to get to know about your dentist, and for them to find out how your general oral health is.
Should any follow up work be required then you can speak about this in detail with your dentist there and then. They can explain the process and you can remind them how nervous you are. Your dentist may even be able to suggest a variety of dental oral sedation techniques that they provide for patients with similar fears as yours.
These can range from the use of gas and air to put people at ease, to an IV sedation drip designed to completely relax you (whilst allowing you to remain conscious).
Dentists are on hand to ensure that your health is well looked after, and that it is as pleasant an experience as possible. Going to the dentist should not be a scary or disturbing experience – even if treatment is needed.
How to ease your fear
The first thing you ought to do is speak to your dentist. If you don’t have one (because it has been so long since you last visited one) take some time to research dentists in your local area. You will want to find someone who is able to understand, and sympathise with your fear of seeing treatment.
The receptionist should be able to answer any questions you might have, and will arrange for you to come to the surgery so you can have a look around before signing up to be a patient.
When the time comes to make your appointment then it is advisable to go for an early morning one. Even if this does not necessarily suit your normal routine, it is best to get the appointment over and done with as quickly as possible. An afternoon appointment will allow you to dwell on it for longer and will do nothing to calm your nerves.
Remember that the appointment you have made with your new dentist will simply be a check up. This will give you the opportunity to get to know about your dentist, and for them to find out how your general oral health is.
Should any follow up work be required then you can speak about this in detail with your dentist there and then. They can explain the process and you can remind them how nervous you are. Your dentist may even be able to suggest a variety of dental oral sedation techniques that they provide for patients with similar fears as yours.
These can range from the use of gas and air to put people at ease, to an IV sedation drip designed to completely relax you (whilst allowing you to remain conscious).
Dentists are on hand to ensure that your health is well looked after, and that it is as pleasant an experience as possible. Going to the dentist should not be a scary or disturbing experience – even if treatment is needed.
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