If you’re ever afraid of or anxious about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. One study of over 1,000 Canadians found that nearly 10% of respondents were at least somewhat afraid of going to the dentist, and another 5.5% of respondents were highly afraid. Nearly 8% of Canadians who participated in the study missed, cancelled or avoided dental checkups near you and treatment because of their fear or anxiety.
Here are several tips for dealing with normal and common dental fear and anxiety so that they do not stand in the way of you receiving the dental treatment and preventative care that you need.
Stop denying or trying to suppress your fears. Being anxious or afraid about going to the dentist is nothing to be ashamed of. One of the first and most important steps to overcoming anxiety and fear is admitting and confronting those fears in the first place. One way to do that is to write them down and then to talk about what you wrote down with a dentist in Roblin.
Choose your dentist carefully. All dentists receive the same basic education and training before being licensed to practice as a dentist in Roblin, but that doesn’t mean all dentists are the same. We’re confident that every dentist near you will be compassionate and understanding of your fear, but you may find it easier to communicate and be completely open with some rather than others. When choosing a dentist, prioritize finding one you trust and feel comfortable with.
We’ve hinted at this one a couple of times: Tell your dentist at Roblin Dental Centre. Nothing you say will surprise or disappoint your dentist. Everything you tell them will help them to give you the essential treatment you need in the most comfortable, least stressful and quickest way possible. Your dentist has lots of experience in working through anxiety and fear. Give them the chance to apply that experience to your benefit.
Ask your dentist about options for sedation dentistry near you. If your dentist is aware of your fear and anxiety, they can offer you a range of sedation options to help you to relax, stay calm and still, and even prevent the forming of memories of your treatment. Sedation dentistry in Roblin includes several options: nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation and even general anesthesia are available for everything from complex surgery to routine dental checkups.
Ask your dentist what distractions are available. Sedation options aren’t the only things dentists can provide to help you to feel comfortable during dental checkups. Even things as simple as videos to watch, music to listen to and gadgets to fidget with can help to redirect your attention and to ease your anxiety. Ask your dentist if they have video and audio facilities available or if you can bring your own distractions.
Consider taking a friend. Do you have a family member or friend who you trust and feel comfortable around and who isn’t themselves anxious about dentists? Ask that person to go to your appointment with you. Give your dentist the heads up that you’ll bring a friend or family member and explain how it might help.
Consider getting some help. Dentists are not the only professionals who can help you overcome your dental fear and anxiety. Psychologists also help patients overcome phobias and anxiety. If you don’t have a relationship with a psychologist, ask your family doctor or dentist for a referral to a psychologist who can help you.
The more information that you can provide to your dentist about your past experiences and frame of mind when it comes to dental treatment, the better experience your dentist can provide. You both have the same goal: To maximize your health while minimizing your fear and anxiety.