I am a firm believer that you should feel all your feelings completely! Well, we’re only human, and they make you feel alive. Fear of the dentist may not be the best way to feel alive, but it is a bridge we must cross!
It is absolutely normal to feel nervous even at the thought of going to the dentist. Several people feel that way about other things, such as public speaking! Not that both are similar, but both evoke a common emotion: nervousness or even anxiety.
Whether it is fear of the pain or the tools a dentist will use, many people develop this fear due to previous negative experiences. A study by the Australian Dental Association (ADA) found that nearly 40% of Australians experience dental anxiety to some extent.
Well, that’s good for us. Dentists are highly trained professionals who know how to handle nervous patients. With experience, they have developed their own set of ways to calm their patients down.
You can also master calming your nerves during a dental appointment by knowing what to expect during the procedure. This can help you ease your fear and have a smooth experience.
Phase 1: Before You Go: Preparing for Your Appointment
Here’s what you can do before going for the appointment to fight the fear of the dentist:
1. Talk to Your Dentist About Your Anxiety
If you are nervous about going for the dental appointment – even after a couple of visits – talk to the dentist gold coast. They are skilled at understanding patient psychology and can help people with anxiety.
They will be happy to make the necessary accommodations for a seamless experience. Some dental practices also offer special services such as calming techniques or, if the patient prefers – sedation to relax during procedures.
2. Take Care of Your Mindset
Yes, it’s normal to feel anxious before such an appointment. However, you must take control of the situation by trying to redirect your focus on the positives. Remind yourself that you’re doing this for your oral health and preventing chronic issues in the future.
Simply shifting your focus from the negatives to the positives can make a huge difference.
Phase 2: What Happens During Your Appointment?
The next step to handling the fear of the dentist is awareness. Making yourself aware of the procedure can have positive effects on the experience. When your brain registers this information, there is a familiarity with the procedure which takes away the fear.
Let’s have a look:
1. Checking In
When you arrive at the clinic on the day of your appointment, you’ll first check in at the reception. This is when you confirm your details and insurance information and ask any questions you may have.
It is also essential for your experience to ask about the steps that the dentist will take. You can also express your nervousness to the receptionist or the staff available so that they can help you feel better.
If you’ve already done this before, they can help you feel comfortable the minute you enter the clinic by giving you a warm welcome.
2. The Waiting Room
Once done with the first step, you’ll next step into the waiting room if there are patients before you. The good news is, some modern dental clinics have a calming design that helps patients feel relaxed before the procedure.
So, if your clinic is one of those, you can take a moment to feel less anxious by taking a moment to focus on your breath or read a magazine or a book!
3. The Dental Chair: Settling In
When it’s time for your appointment, you’ll be called into the dentist’s chamber, and you’ll take a seat in the dental chair. Take your time to settle in, as you’ll have to sit back and recline in the chai, which may feel odd at first.
One of the biggest reasons that people have a fear of the dentist is the chair with the overhead lights. These can be intimidating, but be assured that it only helps the dentist see better. So, it is there to help complete the procedure smoothly rather than to scare you!
Don’t worry about the reclining position, either. It is for the dentist to see better. Don’t worry if you feel nervous at first. The staff will ensure you are comfortable. They’ll ask you throughout the procedure if you want any adjustments to the chair or the light.
So, you can simply ask them to dim the lights or change the temperature of the room to make you feel more comfortable.
4. The Dentist’s Assessment
The dentist will start your appointment by asking about your general oral health. Any problems that you may have faced between appointments or any health changes that you may have noticed.
They’ll also ask questions such as:
- Do you have any tooth sensitivity or pain?
- Do you notice bleeding when brushing or flossing?
- Are you experiencing any discomfort in your gums or jaw?
Then, the dentist will examine your mouth using safe and sterile tools such as a small mirror or a probe to check your teeth and gums. This helps them look for cavities, gum diseases, or any signs of other issues.
The process is gentle and doesn’t involve harsh movements – you’ll feel slight pressure or poking in your mouth.
5. X-rays (If Needed)
In case your procedure involves working on deeper tissues of the mouth than gums or teeth surface, an X Ray may be needed. The nature of your appointment shall decide if an Xray is necessary and you will be informed beforehand.
This is a quick way for them to look beneath the surface of your teeth and gums and is a non-invasive and quick process. This is also quite interesting as you will be asked to bite down on a special film or a digital sensor.
This will help the X-ray machine capture the images of your teeth. While the process may be
In case there are any other concerns, you can simply inform the dentist, and they’ll take extra care to make the experience comfortable.
6. Cleaning and Polishing
If the appointment is for a routine checkup, your dentist or dental hygienist will polish and clean your teeth. This can include removing tartar or plaque to prevent tooth decay or gum disease in the future.
At most, you’ll feel a buzzing or scraping sensation which is not painful. In case you feel discomfort, you can inform the professional. They can adjust their technique and give you breaks in between, if necessary.
They’ll also polish your teeth for a clean and shiny finish! Flash them pearly whites!
7. Treatment Plan and Next Steps
Once they’re done examining and cleaning your teeth, the dentist will discuss their observations and explain the treatment, if any. If it was a routine checkup, they’d ask you to maintain oral hygiene through basic steps such as flossing after brushing.
You may also be asked to incorporate lifestyle changes that can improve your oral health – such as eating more fibres and drinking more water.
If there are cavities or signs of gum disease, your dentist will explain the treatment options thoroughly. They’ll also answer your questions that you may have, this ensures you fully understand the treatment and other steps properly.
Phase 3: After Your Appointment: Care and Follow-up
Next is the after-care and follow-up appointment that may be assigned depending on the procedure. Here’s everything that happens in this phase of your appointment:
1. Post-Treatment Care
If you have had the procedure such as filling or teeth cleaning, you can get the most out of this process. Your dentist will instruct how to look after your teeth including whether you should eat certain foods or do certain activities.
2. Scheduling Your Next Visit
Schedule your next visit in advance so that you’re aware of the appointment and there’s no more fear of the dentist. It is important to maintain regular dental visits to maintain your oral health.
The dentist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment every six to twelve months, however, this can vary depending on the oral health needs.
Tips for Easing Anxiety During Future Visits
- Bring a friend or family member for support.
- Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques before each visit.
- Communicate openly with your dentist about any concerns or discomfort.
- Listen to music or an audiobook during the appointment to distract yourself.
- Ask for breaks during longer procedures if needed.
Conclusion
Fear of the dentist should not hinder good oral health! Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a stressful experience, especially when you know what to expect. Whether it’s a routine checkup or an invasive treatment, understanding the process can help calm your nerves.
It also allows you to focus on keeping your smile healthy. Most importantly, remember that your dentist and their team are there to help you—your comfort is their priority!
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