Are you afraid of going to the dentist office? For those who are fearful, it doesn’t matter if you are seeing a Salt Lake City dentist or a dentist in Harrisburg, the fear is the same.
When it comes to having fear of the dentist, here are some practical tips on how to calm the nerves before, during and after your dental visit.
1. Before you even arrive to the dentist’s office, practice some relaxation techniques. You can try meditation, deep breathing exercises, relaxing visualization exercises and other things to help calm your nerves.
2. Some dentists will prescribe you an anti-anxiety medication if your fear is severe. If that is the case with you, don’t hesitate on asking him or her for a one-pill prescription.
3. When you go to the dentist take along an MP3 Player or other portable music listening device along with ear phones. While you are sitting in the waiting room and while you are having your procedure, listen to calm and relaxing music. If you are a reader, listen to an audio book that is engaging and interesting. You want to distract your brain on what is about to come and what is going on during your dental procedure.
4. When setting up your appointment, let the staff know that you have a fear of coming into the office. A lot of offices realize that a substantial amount of patients have this fear and many of them can help you get through your appointment.
5. If you suffer with this type of fear, take along another person with you to your appointment. This can be your spouse, another family member or a close friend. Sometimes just having a supportive person with you can help to calm your fears.
6. When all else fails, look for a dentist in your area that practices sedative dentistry. These types of dentists are great for those who have a severe phobia about dentists and they can sedate you for your dental procedure.
7. Once your visit is over, reward yourself with a little treat that you normally don’t get to enjoy. Just like with children, a reward system can help to motivate you to keep your appointment and go through with the treatment. The next time around, you will be more apt to go in for your dental appointment if you know there is a reward waiting for you on the other end.
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I have always been afraid of going to the dentist- but with me it is the sound of the drill that scares me and nothing seems to help. I have not yet tried the acupuncturist idea that Maureen suggested. Perhaps befor I return to the e=dentist in a cuple of weeks I shall try that.
Going with a friend can really help. They can try to keep your mind off your worries and get your laughing. Know where the office is a head of time so you don’t feel rushed or worried about parking. Communication is very important. Make the office and your dentist aware of your fear. Try not to be embarrassed and realize that everyone is afraid of something and having anxiety over a doctor’s visit is normal. Listen to music and try to breathe deeply.
Go to the acupuncturist before hand and have them put some pins in your ears. Trust me that helps. I just had a new crown put on last month and it was only with the help of the pins was I amble to rbe a bit calmer.