An alarming number of people have a fear of going to the dentist – or any medical professional, in fact. According to Dentist Joondalup, some people have had bad past experiences they’re fearful of reliving, while others fear the pain they believe they will experience. If you know how important your oral health is, but you can’t bring yourself to attend that critical dentist appointment, then it’s time to take action. Your fear is now affecting your health, and it’s imperative you overcome it for the benefit of your oral hygiene.

Here are just a few of the many ways in which you can overcome your fear of the dentist.

Choose the Best Dentist

If your fear of the dentist is due to a past bad experience, you are likely to feel a little nervous about seeing another one. A common reason for that is the fear that you will relive that same experience. While the likelihood of that happening is slim, doing your research to find the best dentist is a good idea.

Write down a list of dentists in your area that could be potential options, then start checking out their websites and reviews. Online reviews are now as highly regarded as personal recommendations, so be sure to check them out thoroughly. When you’ve narrowed down your list to dentists with glowing reviews, you can then find out whether they cater to nervous patients. Some dental offices are well-skilled in helping nervous patients to feel at ease, so make the phone call and find out for sure.

Communicate Your Feelings

Your dentist is not going to know you’re fearful or nervous unless you tell them. Of course, your body language might be a telling sign, but not every dentist is going to know for sure. When you make your appointment, communicating your fears can help your dentist to plan for your arrival. They can put steps in place to make your appointment that much more comfortable, while also communicating to support staff that you may need some reassurance and help.

Take a Support Person

Going to the dentist on your own when you’re already feeling nervous or fearful can heighten your emotions. If you don’t believe you can cope going on your own, then consider taking a friend or family member with you. They can sit with you while you receive your check-up or procedure and can even hold your hand if you require it. Sometimes, even just having someone in the waiting room can be enough to put your mind at ease.

Ask about Sedation

While you should always try to work through your problems first, sedation can be a good option for those who become exceptionally fearful when in need of dental care. Something as straightforward as a filling can be a terrifying experience, so when you make your appointment, ask if sedation is an option. Local anaesthetic, IV sedation, oral sedation or nitrous oxide may all be valid options. Talk to your dentist before you go to see if any of these could help you to remain calm throughout your appointment.

If you fear the dentist, you’re not alone. A significant number of people have at least some fear, nerves, or anxiety about their dental appointment. However, there are so many ways in which you can overcome your fears, including seeing a dentist who can help you to feel at ease. Just by communicating your worries to your dentist, you’re halfway there.