Fear of Visiting the Dentist 

Lots of patients have a certain level of fear when the time comes for them to visit the dentist. However, if you are particularly scared or fearful of your dental visit what we call Dental Anxiety, you may want to try and observe some of these practices on your next dental visit. Here are some tips for you if you are particularly scared to visit the dentist.

 Do’s

Do make an appointment even if you do not have a problem or a pressing need to visit the dentist. When you do have a dental problem especially with pain you are only going to make your visit more uncomfortable. Visiting the dentist before any problem starts or the old fashioned ‘Prevention is better than Cure’ is so true if you want to help yourself overcome the fear.

When you do make an appointment, seek out a time that is convenient and not too busy for the attending dentist. This will ensure he/she will be able to have more time to focus and pay attention to your special needs. Nobody wants a dentist to be rushing you when you have anxiety issues. The  point is : visit at the dentist’s convenience and not yours.

Do arrive early and so you can take a few minutes to catch your breath and collect your thoughts. Or even practice some breathing techniques that will calm your mind and your thoughts in turn. Simple deep abdominal breathing or chanting “Om” very slowly are some techniques that can help. Try it!  But do it quietly in case there are other patients at the waiting area.

Communication is important. Do tell the dentist your specific fear.  Is it the needle or just the drilling or the sight of blood? Do tell and make sure the dentist pays attention and acknowledges your specific fear. Dentist are notorious to nod absent minded and just get on with the task at hand, understandably so, because every other patient tells them they are scared!

Do your online research or check with friends and colleagues if they have a recommendation for a dentist you are opting to visit for the first time ensure he/she has good chair side etiquette. And ask if the dentist is good with dental anxiety patients.

Do stick with your current dentist if he or she is good with allaying your fear. And if you still are afraid of dental visits then maybe something is not very right.  Maybe its time to change to another dentist who is more caring and will help you work your dental anxieties issues. Dentistry is no more about just doing the dental procedures be it fillings or a scaling BUT nowadays dentist have to address the dental anxiety issue as well.  The point here is if you are comfortable, stick with your current dentist. BUT if after all these years you still are afraid for dental procedures, do have the courage to Change. 

Seek out a dentist who is both caring and friendly with good communication skills. There are many technically competent dentists who only focus on the dental treatment per se. Sadly, not many who are competent in psychology or emotional intelligence to help you through your fear issues

 Don’ts

Don’t procrastinate but visit the dentist proactively and not when you have a problem.

Don’t select the cheapest or most convenient dentist.  Seek out dentist through online research or get a word of mouth referral. Be willing to pay a slightly higher fee if it means a less crowded waiting room and a more experienced dentist.

Don’t settle with the first dentist but research, research and more research.

Don’t take your younger kids or friends who will distract you or make fun of you when you visit the dentist. 

Don’t even take your friend or spouse who gives you moral support when you visit the dentist. The trip to the dentist is personal one and only you can overcome the fear. And if you must depend on external moral support or help, it should be your dentist, as it forces you to deal with the issue.

Don’t let work or personal calls or messages distract you. Put the phone on silent or better still, switch it off for the dental visit. You can always forewarn your colleagues or boss or family members that you are going to switch off your phone while at the dentist.

Don’t take alcohol, drugs or any other mind alerting medication prior to your visit. In the long run it will be counterproductive. If you do need anti-anxiety medication, your chosen dentist should advice you and only then take the medication. Do not self-medicate

Lastly, don’t let negative self-talk or other people’s stories get to you.  Keep a positive and open mind for a new dental experience.