Yet many people, believe it or not, are terrified of going to the family dentist – so much so, in fact, that they avoid going to the dentist altogether. Not good, as in the end their oral health suffers. (This could result in even more time in the dentist’s chair!)
There are many reasons why some people fear the family dentist. One big reason is the fear of pain. However, most procedures are significantly less painful than they were even a few years ago, thanks to advances in dental technology. Another reason might be a fear that any anesthesia used won’t take hold and won’t be and effective enough dose to eliminate pain prior to beginning of the dental procedure. Still, others just might not like how vulnerable they feel sitting in a dentist’s chair.
Do you suffer from dental anxiety? If so, it doesn’t have to keep you from seeing your family dentist. There are several steps you can take to address your anxiety that will make a trip to the dentist much more bearable than what you may think.
You can start simply by communicating your fears to your family dentist. You’re probably not the first person that your family dentist has encountered with dental anxiety, and it helps to just get your fears out in the open. If your family dentist is aware of your anxiety, then he can adapt the treatment so that it’s sensitive to your fears. Your family dentist may ask you to use hand signals to communicate with him. Thus, when you feel uncomfortable, you can signal when you need for him to stop the procedure or take a break.
Other steps that you can take to ease dental anxiety:
- Breathe. Really focus on breathing slowly and steadily. This will calm you down. When you’re nervous you’re more apt to hold your breath. This lowers oxygen levels, which in turn exacerbates the urge to panic.
- Chill out. Don’t think about anything in particular. Instead, let your mind wander. Or, bring an audio player and headphones with you and listen to music during the procedure.
- Schedule accordingly. Schedule your appointment at a time when you don’t feel under pressure to be somewhere else. This will help you relax.
- Get referrals. If you’re searching for a dentist, ask around for recommendations. Finding a dentist you feel you can trust will go a long way to making you less anxious.
And if you’re in the Columbus or Reynoldsburg areas and are looking for a family dentist whose staff is dedicated to providing you with the most pleasant, comfortable experience possible, why not try us out? We promise to be sensitive to all of your concerns and address them accordingly. Take advantage of our convenient online scheduling and make an appointment today!