Did you know that some people are so scared of visiting the dentist that just getting to the dentist’s office can feel like a big accomplishment? Although feelings of fear and stress can usually be overcome, some patients who avoid necessary dental work may have developed a dental care phobia. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce stress and fear when visiting your Bellevue dentist.
Before moving on to the how to, it’s important to note that for some patients stepping inside a dentist’s office is so traumatic they’d rather watch their teeth rot. In fact, it’s not uncommon for those with dental phobias to even develop physical symptoms from their fear and stress. These symptoms can include:
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Heart palpitations
- Fainting
- Feelings of nausea
Most dentists are very familiar with the symptoms of fear and stress and will ensure their patients are comfortable. In many cases, your dentist will be able to help you manage or overcome your fear during your visit. However, it’s always best to be prepared so here are few tips you can use to help overcome your fear and make your dentist visit more comfortable:
- Let your dentist know before your appointment that you have a dental phobia. Your dentist may offer to let you visit in advance and become familiar with the office or offer other ways to help you become more comfortable during your treatment.
- Some dentists practice “”painless dentistry”” using discomfort-reducing techniques such as topical anesthetic gels and air abrasion units. If pain during your dental care procedure is your main worry, this could be an option for you.
- Many dentists offer sedation dentistry services to ease anxiety and pain. This might include inhalation sedation, oral sedation, general anesthesia, hypnosis or psychotherapy. If you suffer from anxiety during your treatment, a dentist skilled in these techniques might be right for you.
- Knowing that fear is a healthy survival mechanism is often the key to putting your fear into perspective.
- For many patients with dental phobias, knowledge about what is actually going to take place during their visit can be a big help. It’s a good idea to educate yourself on your dental care treatment in order to avoid unnecessary stress and fear.
By following the tips outlined above you can reduce stress and fear when visiting your dentist. Searching for a dentist in the Bellevue, Washington area? If so, look no further than Smiles of Bellevue and Eastside Smiles. We pride ourselves on providing comfortable, quality dental care to you and your family.
