You were just 7 years old when you realized that dentists are not a friend. Your doctor forgot to anesthetize you and hit a nerve while removing your problem premolar. The pain was so excruciating you could still remember what happened almost 20 years ago like it was yesterday. Now that your mouth is throbbing with a wisdom tooth, a mere consultation is enough to stress you out.
If you have some bad experience with a dentist in the past, you have every right to fear the dental chair. You might even choose to suffer the consequences of leaving your teeth problems untreated than to go through the procedure you need.
Your situation is understandable, but, at the end of the day, you have to face your demons or else live with pain and discomfort forever. These four techniques from General Dentistry Limited can help you overcome dental anxiety:
Talk It Over
As the cliché goes, communication is the key. Shying away from dealing with your worries is not going to help anyone, especially you.
Contrary to popular belief, dental professionals are some of the most understanding doctors in America. All Denver, Portland, and Sioux Falls dentists are aware of this phobia, which is why they put a premium on being friendly literally to on every patient.
Get Moral Support
Bringing someone with can do wonders for your peace of mind. Be it your friend or significant other, you could use some company to make your nerve-wracking situation light.
Make Your Mind Work
Mind over matter, right? So, why not use the power of your imagination to replace your horror stories with happy thoughts. Uttering a mantra repeatedly can magically calm you down.
Use Sedation
New technologies have made dental work almost painless. Several options are at your disposal to barely feel anything during and after the treatment. Your dentist would be more than willing to discuss the different types of sedation you could use.
Dental anxiety is just a state of mind. Be it due to experience or hearsay, succumbing to your fear of dentist is the easiest way to leave your oral health in jeopardy.