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While no one really enjoys or even likes a trip to the dentist, there are some people who when just thinking of paying their dentist a visit brings them out in a cold sweat and... |
While no one really enjoys or even likes a trip to the dentist, there are some people who when just thinking of paying their dentist a visit brings them out in a cold sweat and actually consider it to be their worst nightmare. Those people have what is termed a phobia. They have an irrational fear of something and in this case it is the dentist. People who suffer from phobias are not cowards and it is very possible to overcome this type of phobia without medical attention. Here are some simple ways to deal with and overcome a dental phobia.
Understanding your fears
The most important step in overcoming a fear of the dentist is to find a dentist that will understand your fears and phobia. The majority of people who have a fear or phobia of the dentist have got the phobia due to an incident that happened at the dentist. A dentist who understands your fears will talk with you and let you visit the office at a time when you don’t need treatment just to get used to being there.
Start small
For the first trip for actual treatment it should be for something as simple as teeth cleaning. Try not to let the thoughts of going to the dentist built up beforehand and when it’s time to go try some simple breathing techniques. Take a slow deep breath in threw your nose and then let it out slowly through your mouth, exhaling to your fullest and deepest. This practice can be used when you get in the chair and the dentist should move through the procedure slowly allowing you to breathe as you feel fit.
Confronting your fear
Confronting your fear and looking into what happened, what the fear stems from is also an excellent way to banish your phobia. Examine when the fear first started and ask yourself is the same thing likely to happen again or was it just a one off occurrence. For example if you had a bad experience during an extraction then it doesn’t necessarily mean the same will happen again, if fact the chances are virtually nill.
Be knowledgeable
Be aware and learn of the treatments the dentist will use and the equipment that he or she is going to use on you during your visit. Ask the dentist as many questions as you feel the need to, ask how long the procedure will take, what the dentist is going to use on you and anything else relating to the procedure. The whole point of this is for you to feel as comfortable as possible during the procedure, each successful visit will ease the fear until eventually the phobia dissipates.
Taking a friend or family member with you to hold your hand can help greatly and there is nothing to be ashamed of if you need this as a confidence boost, it can also help to take your mind off the procedure if they are there in the room holding your hand and reassuring you.
If you have tried and exhausted everything else then you should talk with your doctor about a low dose of sedative to have on hand before your visit. Most doctors will prescribe a low dose of sedative in just 1 pill or capsule for the day.