It is rare, if not impossible, to find a person who isn’t afraid of anything. Everyone has something that frightens them, and when this fear gets out of control, it becomes a phobia, or an irrational fear of something.
One common fear or phobia people have is going to the dentist. A person’s fear of the dentist could be the result of seeing movies and television shows that portray going to the dentist as a scary, painful experience or due to a personal or loved one’s negative experience at a dentist’s office. No matter what the cause is, dental phobia is completely irrational and quite harmful to your dental health.
Why Should You Deal With Dentist Fears?
Dental fears may be overpowering, but it is critical to get them under control. Your dental health is very important. A smile leaves a lasting first impression, and it’s important that you have a winning smile. If you are avoiding going to the dentist, you may be leaving dental issues unaddressed. They could be cosmetic, such as crooked or stained teeth, or oral health-related, such as a cavity or gum disease.
Regular dentist visits are about preventive care – recognizing dental issues before they develop or, at the very least, before they progress into bigger problems. One thing to keep in mind is, you won’t be able to avoid the dentist forever – especially if you have an underlying dental issue. Cavities, gum disease, and other issues will continue to get worse until you have an experienced dentist diagnose and treat you. Simply avoiding the issue will not solve it – it will actually do the opposite. At the end of it all, you will likely go through a lot of discomfort and pain and end up needing more intense treatments to fix an issue that could have been avoided or easily treated early on.
How to Deal With Dental Phobia
If you have fear of going to the dentist, there are many things you and your dentist can do to help. First, make sure to let your dentist know you are scared. An understanding and compassionate dentist will understand your fears and will work to ease them. This includes showing you all the tools that will be used, answering all your questions, and taking the time to walk you through the cleaning or treatment you are getting done.
If you are relaxed, it makes the dentist’s job a lot easier. Therefore, rest assured that your dentist will take the time to ensure you are comfortable before proceeding. Your dentist may devise a system of communication, asking you to raise a finger or hand to signal anxiety. This will tell your dentist when you want to stop, take a break, or have a concern that needs to be addressed.
Also, take a friend or loved one with you. This can be a comfort that helps ease your anxiety. Ask them to come into the dentist’s room with you while you get treated. Finally, listen to music or an audiobook while you get treated. This will distract you from what’s going on, which will ease anxiety.
Compassionate Dental Care in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
If you have dental fears, visit Hagerman Dental Care, where we not only understand and sympathize with dental phobia, we also have solutions for it.
We will work with you to calm your nerves, alleviate your anxiety, and educate you on the importance and safety of dental cleanings and procedures. We will invest the time in helping you feel comfortable and relaxed when visiting the dentist.
To request an appointment, please call (651) 646-2392. You may also schedule an appointment online.