How to Overcome Dental Anxiety and Fear
Dental Anxiety: Dental procedure fear and anxiety are so much more common than what many believe. In fact, the number of people that are afraid of going to the dentist is huge at the moment. You want to do this though. This is one of those fears that you have to get over. Unfortunately, so many just give up and decide to not go to the dentist, even if they have serious problems.
According to Joseph M. Haack, DDS, overcoming dentist fear and anxiety is much simpler than what many think. It is all about finding a really great dentist and establishing a proper relationship with the dentist. The following will help you to overcome that fear.
Discuss The Fear With The Dentist
It is really important that you admit the fact that you are afraid. Mention that when the appointment is set up. Dentists have to be prepared to actually listen. You will not be able to get over the fear and the anxiety if these are not discussed. The best dentists out there will always listen to their patients and the patients have to realize the fact that the dentists do all that they can to help them.
Lack Of Judgment
Dentists need to accept everything that the patients say in a completely non-judgmental way. The doctor should never use clichés or try to explain too much about procedures and diseases. When you find that the dentists simply mention the worst case scenario, the fear will be quite hard to deal with. Patients need to always feel as comfortable and as confident as possible.
Start With Things That Are Done With Zero Or Mild Anxiety
Patients should always be in control of what is happening to them. When they discuss the fears that they have, a good way to get over everything is to start with the procedures and the tasks that have the lowest possible anxiety associated with them. After a visit, the patient should always feel in charge and feel great about what happened. Overcoming this fear is something that has to be done on a step-by-step basis.
Agree To a Plan
When discussing things with the dentist, set up a special agreement that allows you to take all the time that you will need so that anxiety and fear can be overcome. You should never be rushed into anything that you do not want. Getting over dental procedure fear will be a lot easier if there is a plan that is respected. When you are pushed into doing something that you are really afraid of the results will not be great.
Create Plans To Reduce Dental Fear
The patient and the dentist have to agree about becoming really comfortable with all the dental procedures. Both parties need to be willing to work on it. Internal anxiety feelings have to be taken into account and all the procedures should be carried out at the pace that is the most comfortable for the patient. The goal is always to become trusting and comfortable.