What to Do if You are Terrified of the Dentist?
Getting regular dental check-ups is incredibly vital for our overall health. We may be taking care of our teeth and gums, but sometimes, we still get dental issues that require professional treatment. In Scottsdale, you can find dentists that can take care of specific issues or people.
There are pediatric dentists for kids and cosmetic dentists if you want to enhance the appearance of your teeth. If you’re going to get dental implants, it’s best to find an implant dentist in Scottsdale, AZ. Unfortunately, some so many people are afraid of going to a dentist.
Although it is common to feel anxious when visiting a dentist, many are downright terrified.
Why does Dentophobia Exist?
There are a bunch of reasons why people are terrified of a dentist. It could be because they have a traumatic experience one time, and every time they visit a dentist, the memory comes back to haunt them.
For example, your dentist may have failed to give you anesthesia properly while getting your teeth extracted. It can be excruciating and can be traumatic. However, there are cases where the patients aren’t exactly afraid of the dentist.
They’re more terrified of the needles and the equipment they use. After all, needles and drills are indeed scary, especially for young children. Some are more embarrassed about their situation rather than afraid. They might not have visited a dentist for a long time, and they are ashamed of how bad their dental health is.
These are just a few reasons behind the phobia.
How to Deal with your Phobia
It’s not easy to face your fears, but you can try these simple tricks that can help you deal with it.
- Identify what terrifies you. First of all, know what’s the reason behind your fear. Is it the doctor, the procedure, the tools, or the possible pain? By knowing what causes your phobia, you can work towards a solution to make it better.
- Find and talk to the right dentist. Once you are more aware of your situation, talk to your dentist. They can help you overcome your fear by talking about the procedure, such as providing you with numbing gels and anesthesia so you won’t feel anything. They should be people that are ready to listen to your fears and do not invalidate them. So, you might also want to start by finding the right dentist.
- Ask if sedation can help. Many dental clinics provide sedation to help with their patients who are terrified and nervous about their procedures. Most of the time, it can help people to relax, so it will likely work well on you as well. Sedation could either be minimal, moderate, or deep. In some cases, patients go through general anesthesia, where they are entirely unconscious. The type of sedation that will be used on you often depends on what procedure you need.
Your fear of a dentist is valid. It’s okay to feel terrified, but you also have to remember that it’s necessary to get their help as well. So, learning how to deal with your fear can help you in the long run.
