If you have a fear of going to the dentist, you may not be receiving the oral care that you need. You do not want to risk having your teeth deteriorate because of a fear of getting your teeth cleaned. There are some ways that you can overcome your fears. Here are some tips on how to survive a trip to the dentist.
Getting To The Root Cause
The first step in trying to alleviate the fear that you may have of the dentist would be to figure out where the fear stems from in the first place. Did you have a prior bad experience with a dental procedure? Have you just never been to a dentist and are more afraid of the unknown? Are you more scared of the instruments that may be used? Knowing what the main reason is for the anxiety will help you to face your fear.
Making That First Step
The first step in facing the fear of the dentist would be to make a phone call to one. You aren't seeing anyone yet and they cannot see you. During the phone call, let the receptionist know that you are calling because you would like to see a dentist, but that you have severe anxiety about seeing one. If you are met with sympathy, you can go further and make an appointment to go inside the dentist's office to take a look around. If you are not comfortable with how you are treated on the phone, call a different dentist.
Meeting With The Dentist
Making an appointment to talk with the dentist without having any procedures done can make you feel much more at ease. You will be able to ask questions without being in the dentist's chair. If you feel comfortable with the dentist, you may be able to take it a step further and see if you can sit in a dentist's chair while knowing you aren't having any work done.
The dentist should be able to reassure you that if you come to have a cleaning, they will explain the procedure the whole way and stop if you ask them too. Knowing that you have this kind of control should help you feel more confidence in giving it a try.
The Day Of The Appointment
If you are going to go in for a teeth cleaning, you will be nervous on the day of the appointment. You should bring some things into the waiting room to help distract you as you wait. Bringing along a friend for moral support is a great idea, as well. Practice some deep breathing to calm you down. After your appointment is over, you should reward yourself with something such as a small treat or a relaxing bath.
Many people have anxiety about dental care, but an experienced dentist, like Doran J Riehl, D.D.S. P.S, should be able to help you relax so that you can make sure your dental health is in good condition.
My name is Shawna Banks and this is a blog that focuses on health issues that affect women. I became interested in women's health when my sister began having medical problems. After her condition worsened, she went to see a doctor. After her diagnosis and successful treatment, I helped her research the different kinds of health conditions that are common in women. By becoming knowledgeable about these types of problems, we can keep ourselves healthier. I hope that when you read this blog, it will help you to identify symptoms that shouldn't be ignored. If necessary, you can schedule an appointment with your physician as soon as possible.