For many people, going to the dentist can be painful both literally and figuratively. In fact, most people are afraid to go to the dentist. If you have a phobia of dentists or don't even want to go to the dentist regularly, overcome your fear by identifying your fear and building a positive experience with the dentist.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Understanding Your Fears
Step 1. Understand that your fear of the dentist is normal
You don't have to be ashamed if you're afraid of the dentist. Many people in the world who experience this phobia. This fear should not keep you from missing proper dental care, which can have serious effects on your health and ability to socialize.
- Almost all guidelines recommend that you go to the dentist twice a year to maintain oral health.
- If you don't go to the dentist regularly, you can develop cavities, broken or loose teeth, abscesses, and bad breath. Some of these conditions can threaten your social life.
Step 2. Write down your specific fears
Some people may not want to admit that they have a phobia of teeth. To overcome your fear of the dentist, write down anything that makes you feel nervous with the dentist.
- You may never even realize the specific fear you have if you don't think about it seriously. You may realize that it's not the procedure at the clinic that scares you, but the dentist himself. This fear is easily overcome by finding another dentist.
- Show your dentist your list and discuss your fears with him. Your doctor may be able to give you a rational explanation for the things that make you anxious.
Step 3. Find out the cause of your fear
Fear is often learned through experience or memory. Try to identify the source of your dental phobia so you can take proactive steps to overcome your fear of the dentist.
- Think about certain experiences that may have contributed to your fear of the dentist and counter those fears with positive experiences so that you have the right frame of mind to deal with this phobia. For example, if you have cavities or the root canal is very painful, think about a situation where your dentist praised your good oral health or think about a painless dental cleaning procedure to cover your fears.
- If you can't identify what experience is causing your fear, it may be a memory or social fear, such as scary stories about teeth from family members or friends.
- You can gradually overcome your fear by finding out the source of your dental phobia. The only thing you need to overcome your fear is an acknowledgment that you do have fear.
Step 4. Recognize that dental procedures have improved tremendously
Before you actually go to the dentist's office to help with your fears, it's important to understand that dental procedures have improved tremendously in recent years. The days when dentists used old-fashioned dental drills with large anesthetic needles have passed. Understanding advances in dental care can help you to reduce your fears.
- There are many new methods to treat some dental problems such as cavities. Dentists have used drills that have a stop button if you so desire or even laser methods to remove infected areas of the tooth.
- Many dentists also design their clinics to be non-medical by giving them a subtle color and removing the characteristic odor that reminds a person of a dentist.
Part 2 of 3: Finding the Right Dentist
Step 1. Find the right dentist for you
The dentist can determine the comfort level of your visit. If your doctor is unfriendly and unattractive, and tends to be overly clinical, this may exacerbate your fears. Finding the right doctor can significantly help you overcome your fear of the dentist.
- The best way to find a good dentist is to ask a family member or friend. Others are unlikely to suggest a dentist that makes themselves uncomfortable.
- You can also read reviews about dentists on the internet or through advertisements in local media such as magazines or newspapers.
Step 2. Schedule a consultation with the dentist you want to choose
Make an appointment with the dentist you want to help you choose the right dentist. Meeting and discussing your health and fears with a potential dentist can help you feel comfortable with someone who can take care of your dental problems.
- Ask the prospective dentist a few questions and discuss your fears. Make a specific list of your fears to make sure you don't forget a single thing.
- Make sure the dentist takes you and your fears seriously. Don't accept a dentist who doesn't really care about you, because it can make your fear worse. It also shows that the doctor is not a gentle or sympathetic person.
Step 3. Plan a visit to the dentist to go through the treatment procedure step by step
Once you've found a dentist you're comfortable with, prepare for a series of visits to the clinic. Start with simple procedures such as tooth cleaning, then move on to more serious procedures such as root canal treatment or filling crowns when you feel more comfortable.
A step-by-step treatment procedure can help you build a trusting relationship with your dentist
Step 4. If you are uncomfortable with a procedure, talk to your dentist about stopping the procedure so you can relax
- The more often you go to the dentist and have positive experiences, the more likely you are to take care of your oral health and overcome your dental phobia.
- Come to the dentist at the right time so you don't have to wait too long in the waiting room. One good tactic is to get to the dentist's office early so you'll be the first patient.
Part 3 of 3: Controlling Fear While Undergoing the Procedure
Step 1. Communicate with the dentist
The foundation of a good doctor-patient relationship is effective communication. Talk to your dentist before, during, and after the procedure to minimize your fear.
- Talk to your dentist about your concerns and fears before undergoing the procedure. You can also ask your doctor to explain the procedure you will undergo before the process begins.
- Ask the dentist to keep him informed as he performs the procedure. Remember that you have a right to know what you are going through.
Step 2. Scripting the procedure that scares you
Overcoming fear can make a person lose confidence and try to avoid situations that cause fear. Implementing behavioral scripting tactics before going to the dentist can help you immerse yourself in scary situations and can minimize your fear of the dentist.
Scripting is a technique that involves conceptualizing game designs or "scripts / scripts" to be applied to certain situations and following up with those scripts. For example, if you are afraid of the cleaning process tomorrow, take notes and develop a plan that will allow you to get the same instructions the next time you go through the process. Think about what you can say in response to questions or possibilities that arise in your interactions
Step 3. Frame dental procedures into something simple
If you are afraid of going to the dentist or undergoing a certain procedure, keep the situation simple. Framing is a behavioral technique that can help you shape the way you think and feel about certain situations by making them seem normal or normal.
- If you're afraid of going through the cleaning process, you can reframe the situation by thinking "it's just a quick procedure like brushing your teeth."
- Breaking them down into smaller, easier-to-manage units can help you to overcome any form of fear.
Step 4. Use relaxation techniques
Relaxation can help you have a more pleasant experience at the dentist and can reduce fear. From breathing exercises to medication, there are several relaxation techniques you can use to control your dental phobia.
- Many dentists recommend using nitrous oxide, sedatives, or anti-anxiety medications such as alprazolam to help you relax during your visit to the dentist.
- Some dentists will give you anti-anxiety medication before you go to the clinic if you have severe anxiety.
- If you are taking anti-anxiety medications that are not prescribed by your dentist, let him know before you have the procedure to avoid dangerous interactions between the medications you are taking.
- Be aware that using these medications during the procedure can be expensive, which your health insurance may not cover.
- Try doing breathing exercises to relax yourself. You can breathe rhythmically in a matter of 4 seconds to inhale and 4 seconds to exhale. If this helps, silently say "in" as you inhale and "out" as you exhale so that your mind can get rid of as much fear as possible.
- If necessary, practice relaxation techniques several times.
Step 5. Divert attention to other media
Use a variety of media to distract yourself when visiting the dentist. Relax and minimize fear by listening to music or watching television provided at the dentist's office.
- Today, many dentists provide MP3 players, televisions, and tablets to help distract patients.
- If your dentist doesn't have one, ask if you can listen to some relaxing music or read a book while you're there.
- Use a stress ball to help distract and relax yourself at the dentist's office.
- You can also watch a funny video or listen to soothing music before going to the dentist so you can relax and think of the dentist as a calming person, which can help you overcome your fears.
Step 6. Invite a family member or friend to go to the dentist
Try asking a friend or family member to accompany you to the dentist. He or she can help distract you from the procedure, and can also help calm you down.
If you feel very anxious, ask your doctor if your friend can come into the examination room to accompany you. You can relax more if someone you trust is in the room
Step 7. Get regular checkups to prevent serious dental problems
Many people are afraid of the dentist because the procedure is complex and often painful like when treating a root canal. By having regular cleanings and checkups, you will not only be able to dispel your fear of the dentist, but you will also prevent serious oral health conditions from developing.
- Make sure you always take care of your oral health every day to minimize the risk of having to undergo complicated procedures. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use dental floss to prevent future dental problems.
- The more often you have a positive test, the sooner you can overcome your fear of the dentist.
Step 8. Reward yourself if you can go to the dentist with a positive result
When you're done with your dental check-up, treat yourself to something you want or do something fun. This can help you to associate a visit to the dentist as a reward rather than a fear.
- For example, you can buy yourself a small object like shoes or a shirt because you can go to the dentist without fear.
- You can do fun activities such as going to an amusement park or playground in your area.
- You should not give candy, because it can cause cavities that make you have to go to the dentist more often.
Tips
- Maintain a positive attitude. Remember that you go to the dentist to get your teeth clean, not to scare you.
- Make sure you are calm and relaxed when you visit the dentist. Let the dentist do the work. Your goal is to have clean and fresh teeth without cavities. You shouldn't be afraid of the dentist.
