Doctors estimate that as much as 20% of the American public suffers from some sort of anxiety relating to dentists. Nearly a quarter of the country’s population experiences symptoms ranging from mild trepidation to avoidance of dentists altogether. This same percentage is probably not adequately monitoring the condition of their oral health. Unwittingly, these individuals could be missing key signs of serious issues in other parts of the body. Many illnesses first display symptoms detectable in the mouth before progressing to other areas of the human anatomy. As such, it is critical that dental hygiene be fastidiously maintained and that necessary steps are taken to mitigate any issues that would deter a patient from doing so.
It’s important to have a dentist that you feel comfortable with. This is true of anyone with whom you entrust your care. You should have enough of a rapport with him or her that there is no issue expressing any concerns that you may have. This should include (but not be limited to) any previous dental-related occurrences that may have emotionally traumatized you. Understand that you are probably not the first patient in the dentist’s care who has had anxiety-induced reservations. If you’re trying to get over your fear of dentists and your anxiety trigger is a needle, perhaps the doctor can arrange for you to take an oral sedative. If your concerns remain undisclosed, they cannot be addressed.
Feelings of powerlessness quickly bloom into full-blown anxiety. Understanding expectations helps to replace fear with empowerment. Ask your dental professional about the nature of your procedure. Get specifics as to recovery time, after-care, who to contact if there is an after-hours emergency, etc. Even details for a conventional tooth-cleaning procedure should be inquired about if anything about it makes you uncomfortable. Keep in mind that you will likely have limited communication options during your dental procedure. Identify a way for you to alert your dentist if there are issues that you need to address during the process.
Bring your favorite leisure pursuits when you go to the dentist’s office. This will hopefully divert your mind from obsessing about all of your dental fears while sitting in the waiting room. Books, games or polite conversation with a good friend can all be effective diversions. Music can also be used as a calming instrument while waiting for a procedure.
In the battle against dental anxiety, the most effective tool is a considerate dentist who understands your issue and attaches validity to your concerns. Visit this website of a clinic for general dental care in Cary, providing preventive and restorative services while guiding you comfortably through the process.
It’s important to have a dentist that you feel comfortable with. This is true of anyone with whom you entrust your care. You should have enough of a rapport with him or her that there is no issue expressing any concerns that you may have. This should include (but not be limited to) any previous dental-related occurrences that may have emotionally traumatized you. Understand that you are probably not the first patient in the dentist’s care who has had anxiety-induced reservations. If you’re trying to get over your fear of dentists and your anxiety trigger is a needle, perhaps the doctor can arrange for you to take an oral sedative. If your concerns remain undisclosed, they cannot be addressed.
Feelings of powerlessness quickly bloom into full-blown anxiety. Understanding expectations helps to replace fear with empowerment. Ask your dental professional about the nature of your procedure. Get specifics as to recovery time, after-care, who to contact if there is an after-hours emergency, etc. Even details for a conventional tooth-cleaning procedure should be inquired about if anything about it makes you uncomfortable. Keep in mind that you will likely have limited communication options during your dental procedure. Identify a way for you to alert your dentist if there are issues that you need to address during the process.
Bring your favorite leisure pursuits when you go to the dentist’s office. This will hopefully divert your mind from obsessing about all of your dental fears while sitting in the waiting room. Books, games or polite conversation with a good friend can all be effective diversions. Music can also be used as a calming instrument while waiting for a procedure.
In the battle against dental anxiety, the most effective tool is a considerate dentist who understands your issue and attaches validity to your concerns. Visit this website of a clinic for general dental care in Cary, providing preventive and restorative services while guiding you comfortably through the process.