The bad thing about dental phobia is that it prevents people from seeking the care
they need – when they need it. The good thing about it is that, today, we can treat
fear as successfully as we treat tooth decay or crooked teeth.
Over six million people experience some degree of anxiety when they visit the dentist. Two million dental patients are plain scared – so scared that they suffer shaking, confusion, heart palpitations and changes in speech and blood pressure just thinking about dental treatment.
We’ve learned a lot about what causes fear over the years. And we’ve got some
suggestions:
* Come into the office with someone you trust – your mother, a close friend. You’ll
feel more secure.
* Make an early appointment – that way you won’t spend the whole day worrying
about your visit.
* Think about an experience you thought might have been unpleasant, but turned out okay – and hold that thought.
* Don’t tell everyone you’re going to the dentist. Fear is contagious and some people love to pass it on.
* Share your fears with your dental team. We have some very effective treatment techniques.
* Don’t be a hero. This is not a good time to be embarrassed about pain.
* Relax. Your emotions affect your pain threshold.
Finally, dentistry is just not the same as it used to be. And we can prove it to you. Just give us a call to make an appointment.