If you are anxious about seeing the dentist here are 8 tips to ease the fear:
- Find an understanding dentist. Ask friends and family if they can recommend one or look for someone who advertises themselves as an expert with anxious people.
- Once you’ve found someone you think may be suitable, visit the practice to have a look around, meet the receptionist and dentist and see the environment. Tell the dentist that you are anxious so they know beforehand.
- Pick an appointment time early in the morning so you have less time to dwell on it.
- The first appointment will simply be a assessment so don’t worry that you will be launched into having a filling, the drill or a needle. See this first visit as your chance to get to know the dentist.
- Take a friend or relative with you to your appointment. The dentist won’t mind if they accompany you throughout the check-up or treatment.
- Agree a sign with the dentist to signal that you need a break and want them to stop. It can be as simple as pointing your finger, and will help you feel more in control.
- If you think it will help, start gradually with a clean and polish then work up to more extensive treatment once you’ve built up trust and rapport with your dentist.
- Bring headphones with you to listen to music during your visit. It will help you relax.
If you are extremely nervous you may prefer intravenous sedation (through an injection into your hand or arm) during treatment. The drugs won’t send you to sleep—you’ll be awake and able to talk to the dentist—but they will calm and relax you so deeply you probably won’t remember much of what happened.
If you are nervous about dental treatment, give us a call on 020 88884401 and we can have a chat with you and work with you on how to overcome your dental fears.
