Top 5 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia

Top 5 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia. If you fear to go to the dentist, you are not alone. Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Indeed, it is a universal phenomenon.Few people look forward to a spell in the dentist's chair. Below are the Top 5 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia. But serious anxiety prevents millions of Americans from seeking proper preventative care. The consequences of this problem may go far beyond dental pain or lost teeth. Gum disease is a serious infection that can affect other parts of the body. Studies now link it to illnesses including. heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Top 5 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia

Fear #1 Needles phobia

The level of fear varies from person to person, and some people are afraid of dental injections in particular, while others are phobic about any sort of needle. Between 1 and 3% of the US, the population has some kind of phobia about needles(aichmophobia) or, subtly different, injections (arachnophobia). So you are not the only one but you can Overcome it with Our care of  Greenbeltsurgery.

Fear #2 The Drill

Some people may fear pain from a drill. This fear can be triggered by the sound of the drill.
However, patients are numbed before using the drill. When sufficiently numbed, you won’t feel any pain at all. You’ll just be aware of light pressure and vibration.
If the sound troubles you, pop in earphones and listen to some music. This can help to calm and/or distract you. It can be a calming classic or a pumping dance track – whichever you prefer!

                                          Fear #3 – Pain

If you’ve had a bad experience with dental pain before, you may be afraid of a repeat experience. However, many factors come into play with dental pain.
Anesthetics and numbing gels are now available for most treatments. This means it’s not likely to be the painful experience you’ve had in the past.
Also, when you’re more fearful, you tend to tense up. This may make you more sensitive to pain.

 Fear #4 – Embarrassment About Bad Teeth 

Embarrassment is perhaps THE most common concern voiced by people who haven’t been to a dentist in a very long time. It may come as a surprise to some that the days when “the lecture” was part-and-parcel of a visit to the dentist are gone. Dentistry has evolved into an industry which supplies a service to the potential customer – you!

    

                                       Fear #5 – Sedation Fears

Sedation effects differ from person to person. The most common feelings are drowsiness and relaxation. Once the sedative takes effect, negative emotions, stress, or anxiety may also gradually disappear. You may feel a tingling sensation throughout your body, especially in your arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Fears about being sedated fall into two categories.

Some people fear they will be too awake and aware of the pain. They worry their teeth and gums won’t be numb enough and they’ll be in pain.

Others fear to be numb as they feel they will be out of control. This can lead to fears that they will suffocate, choke or be unable to swallow.

It’s important to realize that for top teeth, only an individual tooth will be numbed. For bottom teeth, sometimes your tongue or cheek may feel swollen when numbed, but they won’t be. You lose sensation in these areas but not function.

So, be reassured – you will not choke or be unable to swallow.

Overcoming Dental Fears and Anxieties

Here are some tips to help overcome your dental fears and anxieties:

1. Identify your fear. Once you know exactly what you’re fearful about, you can start working towards a solution.
2. Choose a great dentist who listens and cares. Your fears will only increase if you’ve chosen a dentist who isn’t right for you. Consider a pediatric dentist for your children.
3. Take someone with you. Some patients find it comforting to take a friend along.
4. Ask for the perception of pain. You may find emotional relief from knowing what to expect with treatment. Ask your dentist to pre-warn you about the sensations you might experience. For instance, will it be a tingle or feel like a mosquito bite?
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for sedation if you think it may help.
6. Learn about mindfulness, meditation and breathing techniques. They are great ways to reduce your anxiety.
7. Seek professional help. The best course of action is to deal with the root cause of your fear. Unless you do this, you will always fear trips to the dentist. Do you really want to continue having to psych yourself up for every visit?