How to Overcome Dental Anxiety
If you suffer from any kind of dental phobia, you may find some comfort in the fact that you are far from alone.
In fact, being afraid to see a dentist is one of the top five fears of the average person.
As a result, all dental offices have developed ways to make your visit less stressful.
While it is common to have dental anxiety, it is as common to not completely understand why a visit to the dentist is difficult for so many.
The majority of sufferers had determined that the fear came from an earlier visit – often when the patient was quite young.
The dentist/patient relationship is often the root of the problem, and there are many ways to work with your dentist to correct this.
The first and most important step is to inform your dental office that you have a fear, and they will take steps to assist you.
How Your Forster Dentist Will Help
There are many ways in which your dentist and his or her staff will work to lessen your fears.
For example, if the sound of dental equipment is the source of your anxiety, you may be able to wear headphones or some other listening device with music to hear instead, which can take the focus off the dental drill.
If you have difficulty relaxing in the dental chair, you may be given something to help calm you down, including ‘laughing gas’ – nitrous oxide – which is breathed in through an apparatus placed over your nose. This is very effective in calming nerves.
You may have a fear that comes from not being able to see what is being done during the procedure.
Your dentist can provide you with a mirror so you can watch and will be able to explain every step along the way. Some fears come from not knowing what is happening to you.
Should your dental phobia be severe enough that you have difficulty in being in the dental office, the dentist and staff will slowly introduce you to the various rooms and show you the tools and explain their use to gently familiarise you with their set-up.
It may take more than one visit, but for some patients, this step is important in building a trusting dentist/patient relationship.
How to Overcome Dental Anxiety in Forster Dental Centre
Regardless of the type of dental anxiety you suffer from, the dental professionals at Forster Dental Centre can help.
We know how a dental visit can be a scary experience – especially if your phobia has caused you to stay away for several years.
Beat your Dental Fear with your Trusted Forster Dentist
At Forster Dental Centre, we provide each patient with the care that allows them to maintain healthy teeth and a beautiful smile for life!
We offer an extensive range of dental services from preventive dentistry to restorative dental options, along with the latest in cosmetic dentistry solutions for straighter and whiter teeth.
We pride ourselves on listening to the needs and concerns of all our patients and aim to provide you with the personalised attention you and your family deserves.
Learn how to overcome dental anxiety from your Forster dentist.
Call us on (02) 6555 5554 or book your appointment online here.
We are located at 1st Floor Forster Tower, 12 Wallis St in Forster.