If you have a fear of the dentist, you are absolutely not alone. This is a very common experience, and one that you are likely to have to think about if you want to make sure you are caring for yourself. Overcoming a fear of the dentist is perfectly possible, and it will mean that you are going to have so much more in the way of health and overall wellness. But how can you do it? In this post, we will discuss some of the main things to bear in mind when it comes to this.
Image Source: Pexels – CCO License
Understanding The Fear
Dental anxiety rarely appears out of nowhere. Dental procedures can and do go wrong, and you only have to look at the average payout for dental negligence to see evidence of that. For some, it stems from a specific childhood experience: a painful procedure, a brusque clinician, the sterile smell of a surgery that seemed overwhelming at a young age. For others, it is second-hand, absorbed from anxious parents or reinforced by stories in the media. Cultural portrayals, from exaggerated scenes in films to urban legends about terrible appointments, can quietly plant the idea that dentistry is something to endure rather than something that protects you.
The Cost Of Avoidance
Avoidance feels protective in the short term. If you do not book the appointment, you do not have to face the anxiety. The problem is that oral health rarely stands still. Small cavities become larger ones. Gum inflammation can progress. What might have required a quick, straightforward procedure can turn into something more involved. There is also the psychological cost. The longer you avoid the dentist, the more formidable the appointment becomes in your imagination. The mind fills in gaps with worst-case scenarios. Ironically, regular visits are often far less dramatic than the stories we tell ourselves. Routine check-ups are designed to prevent pain, not create it.
Image Source: Pexels – CCO License
Choosing A Practice
One of the most empowering steps you can take is to choose your dental practice carefully. Not all practices feel the same. Some actively advertise themselves as specialising in nervous patients, offering longer appointment times, clear explanations, and options such as sedation where appropriate. A simple phone call can reveal a lot. Explain that you are anxious and ask how they support patients who feel the same. A practice that responds with patience and understanding, rather than brisk efficiency, is already demonstrating the kind of environment you need. If possible, arrange a consultation that does not involve treatment. A brief visit to meet the dentist, sit in the chair, and discuss concerns without any instruments involved can significantly reduce fear. Familiarity reduces uncertainty, and uncertainty is a major fuel for anxiety.
In order to reclaim control, you need to reintroduce choice into the situation. If you can do that, you are going to find your fear of the dentist is probably going to be dealt with much more easily and effectively.
Add Comment