Going to the dentist can be a literal and proverbial pain for many people. A large percentage of the population is even afraid to go to the dentist. If you have dental phobia or even avoid seeing the dentist regularly, you can overcome your fears by identifying them and building positive experiences with your dentist. At DH Dental, we are a patient focused practice. We make sure all of our patients are comfortable and understand each and every step of their visit. Through proper case presentation we also educate all of our patients on the work to be done, the desired outcome, and how that will improve their overall health.
Dental anxiety, fear, or phobia are usually triggered by certain events or experiences, and some of these are:
Loss of control – Some patients feel like they’re losing control when they lie on a dental chair and find it overwhelming when a dentist hover above their heads and probe inside their mouths. They typically associate the feeling with helplessness or being trapped. Our staff aim to make you as comfortable as possible with open dialogue and a caring approach.
Pain – Most people dread going to the dentist out of fear of pain, especially those who have a low pain threshold.
Embarrassment – Some patients feel ashamed or embarrassed when dentists look inside their mouths and examine their gums and teeth. Discomfort can also result from the little distance between a patient and dentist during treatment. As dental professionals we see the best and worst of cases – no need to be embarrased. Always keep in mind that our job is to help you and we are glad to do so!
Past Experience – Most people develop dental fears due to a bad experience in the past. If a previous treatment was painful or resulted to complications, a patient may develop trepidation about going to the dentist again. IF you have had a bad experience before we invite you to visit DH Dental and let us give you new reasons to smile!
Overcoming Dental Fears
There are ways to overcome any apprehensions you may have about going to the dentist. Here are ten ways to help you do so.
- Recognize your Fears.
To better understand your feelings and address them, you need to come into terms with your anxiety or fear of going to the dentist. Write your fears down, so that you can talk about them better. Listing your fears will not just help you recognize them, but also aid your dentist in explaining what’s causing your anxiety or phobia and helping you deal with it.
- Find the Right Dentist.
A big part of overcoming your dental fears is choosing the right dental center to work with. DH Dental is a patient focused practice which aims to provide the top level of patient satisfaction and service in their dental care. From the moment you enter to when you leave we are always here to give you the best experience possible.
On your visit, take note of the place’s atmosphere and surroundings. If it’s clean and you feel relaxed, then that’s a good sign it’s a clinic that can address not just your oral problems but also your anxiety. At DH Dental, steralization and cross infection control are extremely important to us. We do not cut any corners and provide all of our patients a sterile environment.
- Communicate your Fears and Anxiety.
The foundation of any good relationship is communication. Early on, even before you set an appointment with a dentist, it’s best to be vocal about your apprehensions, fears, and anxiety. This way, you’re giving the dentist a way to gauge your situation and tailor an action plan suited for your needs. In most cases, dentists would devise cues and signals if you want to take breaks or stop the treatment if you get uncomfortable.
- Determine Ways to Gradually Reduce your Fears.
For people with dental fear, visits should not just be about getting a procedure done, it should be about creating a good experience, so that any fear or anxiety can be reduced. The right doctor will not rush you into treatment if you’re uncomfortable – and you can expect that treatment at DH Dental Lahore. Our dentists are caring and compassionate and always aim to make the patient comfortable before proceeding with any type of procedure, big or small.
- Bring a Companion During Appointments.
Having someone with you on a dental appointment, may it be a friend or family member, can offer an extra layer of support and assurance. If possible, see if your loved one can still keep you company even during a procedure.
TIP: Go with someone who doesn’t have any fears about going to the dentists. More so, schedule the appointment in the morning, so that you can spend less time dwelling on your apprehensions.
- See if Sedatives are Appropriate.
Sedation can be administered to keep a patient calm and relaxed during treatment. Some sedatives include local anesthetic, nitrous oxide, and oral or IV sedation. Discuss with your dentist if sedatives are advisable, and if so, which one will work best for you.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques.
Relaxation exercises can help you stay calm during treatment. One of the ways you can relax is through controlled breathing, which involves taking a big breath and letting it out very slowly. This will help relax your muscle and slow your heartbeat.
- Use Distractions.
Distractions can help divert your attention during treatment. Some of the ways to take your mind off the procedure are listening to music, fiddling with a stress ball, and counting to yourself. Meanwhile, you can also watch a funny video or a feel-good clip to help you relax before appointments.
- Seek the Help of a Psychologist.
If your fear is so intense and none of the tips mentioned above worked for you, consider consulting a psychologist. Psychologists specialize in addressing phobias including dental fear.
- Reward Yourself.
Once you overcome your dental fear or make milestones like finishing a particular dental treatment, reward yourself. Buy something nice or do something fun like going on a weekend getaway. Doing so will help you relate dental visits with fun activities.
Keep in Mind
Dental treatments are way more advanced now as compared to a few years back. In fact, there are ways to do things with as minimal pain as possible—from the administration of anesthesia to surgery. The team at DH Dental Lahore recognizes that people have apprehensions about going to a dentist, so we continue to strive in providing a comfortable and reassuring atmosphere for patients.
If you would like a new experience in your dental care call us today for an appointment 0322.DENTAL.1