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Dental Care: Getting Over Your Fear of the Dentist
Dental anxiety or fearing the dentist is a problem that many people have, and something that is somewhat difficult to overcome. This fear normally prevents rational people from visiting the dentist and maintaining the health of their teeth. The key to keeping your teeth healthy is to prevent problems before they start. Those who suffer from dental anxiety will try to avoid going to the dentist, which results in problems.
When someone who suffers from dental anxiety finally goes to the dentist, they normally find that even the smallest of problems can turn serious and require a lot of work and intervention from the dentist. Even though you may not realize it, regular cleaning visits to your dentist is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, and prevent problems such as decay and cavities.
You can use several techniques to overcome dental anxiety. Some of the techniques require mild sedatives, also referred to as sedation. Sedation is a way to relax, given by breathing or IV (Intra Vein) through a vein in your arm. Sedation will help you to calm down, although you will normally be awake to answer questions or talk to your dentist.
Some people who suffer from dental anxiety have had bad experiences. Any type of negative dental experience will normally result in emotional scarring and last for years. Anything that results in negative feelings for the patient will normally cause them to feel in a negative way toward the entire dental profession. Although all dentists aren’t bad – a negative experience will certainly make a patient feel that way.
When you look fora dentist, you should always ask your family and friends who they use, and who they recommend. When you visit a dentist, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask him any questions that come to mind, so you can be more relaxed. You should always keep in mind that you are customer, and the dentist is the one who needs to make you feel relaxed. Never should you feel intimidated, as the best dentists will do everything they can to establish a sense of trust.
Establishing trust is very important with the patient/dentist relationship. You’ll be going to your dentist on a frequent basis, so you’ll want to be sure that you can trust him. When you go to your dentist for the first time, you should let him know about your dental anxiety. If he isn’t willing to talk about it with you or do things to help you relax, you should look into a new dentist.
You can always tell who the better dentists are by the type of facilities they have. Dentists who have a lot of customers or nice offices, have established themselves and proved that they are indeed the best. If a dentist has a lot of customers, it lets you know that he has them for a reason. People that are satisfied with a dentist, normally return.Â
If you suffer from dental anxiety, you should always let your dentist know in advance. This way, he work with you to overcome your fear. Over time, you’ll find that you can overcome your fear and establish a great relationship with your dentist. You can get over your fear of dentists, no matter how bad your fear may be. It will take you some time, although your dentist should be willing to work with you. Before you know it, you’ll be over your fear and more than willing to go to your dentist.
Nicholas Tan
http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/dental-care-getting-over-your-fear-of-the-dentist-706031.html
Tonberry Says: November 24th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Will my dentist think I don’t take care of my teeth?
Okay, first off, I am twenty years old. During my childhood, I had lousy dental care, and in middle school my dentist was a quack. He gave me a root canal and never filled it so part of my tooth broke off and it’s hollow! Not only that, I have 2 visible cavities and my wisdom teeth are coming in!
I’ll admit that in elementary school I didn’t take care of my teeth the best that I should, but once I got to middle school, I tried really well, and started brushing 2 or my times a day once I turned fourteen.
I don’t eat a lot of sugar, I’m vegetarian, and only drink water (I NEVER drink soda). I think I just have week anamel(?) or something.
I’m going to the dentist soon, and I’m worried that he/she will scold me and accuse me of not taking care of my teeth when I do. I guess it’s my fear of dentists that’s getting to me, and I haven’t been since I was about thirteen…
Any ways to overcome this fear?
i'm just a girl Says: November 24th, 2009 at 6:21 am
they will understand your fear, its been a long time scince you have been, but at least you are going.
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London Trader Says: November 24th, 2009 at 6:23 am
The only way to get over your fear is to go and face it. It wont be as bad as you remember as a kid! Most dentists are really good at dealing with nervous patients, and will have seen far far worse teeth than yours.
You are paying for the dentist so there is no reason to worry about him scolding you. Just tell him the truth, if he make you feel uncomfortable, take your money somewhere else.
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JoeyJoeJoe Says: November 24th, 2009 at 6:25 am
When I was in college, I went about 5 between visits to the dentist. Then, I decided it was time to go. I was nervous too. Nervous about what he’d have to do for my teeth, nervous about getting yelled at for not coming the dentist in a long time. But, my dentist was really cool. I think they understand that going to the dentist isn’t most people’s priority. Especially if they’re poor or have bad teeth. For me, I was a poor college student and paying a lot of money for a painful experience didn’t sound good to me.
I guess my advice is take that first step. It’s the hardest but once you’re there and find out what needs to be done, you’ll feel much better. Plus, dentists see all kinds of problems and people much worse than you.
The one person who did kinda bitch at me was the hygienist. But, it was just to make sure I’d come back more often which I’ve done.
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veuve Says: November 24th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Don’t worry about that. Ask around and get the names of dentists from people you know. Call the office and speak to them. The front desk people are the "window" into an office. If they are accommodating and kind, you can bet so is the doctor and staff. I’m a hygienist and see people like you often. I don’t scold, yell, or intimidate. I help, recommend treatment and teach. If a provider yells at you; you should leave!!!!!
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S~ Says: November 24th, 2009 at 6:29 am
I was actually in that same situation.
I was afraid to go to the dentist, I only went when I had a severe toothache.
By the time I finally ended up going to the dentist I was so embarrassed. I think after awhile that’s what kept me from going. I ended getting two root canals and 3 teeth removed AND braces.
It really wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, the dentist actually told me "You’re getting it taken care of now, so don’t worry." That’s the part that matters….
Good Luck!!!
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