Whether you’re afraid of going to the dentist or just uncomfortable, it can keep you from doing things that are in your best interest, like regular dental Blacktown visits and oral hygiene. Overcoming dental anxiety doesn’t have to be hard, though; with these five tips, you can overcome your fear of the dentist in no time.
Realise Its Normal
While it’s true that you may feel a little uncomfortable at first, you are not alone! One in every three people experience some level of dental anxiety. The best thing you can do is just acknowledge your fears and talk about them with your Blacktown dentist. They will most likely be understanding and try their best to make you comfortable while they work on your teeth. If all else fails, there are sedatives available that can take away some of your fear.
Understand Why You Are Afraid
Fear of the dentist is a very common problem. It can be helpful to identify what exactly you’re afraid of, if only so that you can see clearly how irrational your fears are. Many people with dental Blacktown anxiety are actually afraid of what they consider painful dental procedures (like fillings), when in reality most procedures take less than a minute and involve no pain at all. Others fear being stuck by an instrument or hurting themselves while under anaesthesia, which is pretty much impossible!
Relaxation Methods
The best way to calm your nerves before visiting a dentist is by practicing relaxation methods. When you’re stressed, your body produces extra adrenaline and cortisol, both of which can have harmful effects on your health if they’re allowed to remain in your system. It’s also very important that you choose a dentist who will help you get over any fears or reservations you may have, most Blacktown dental clinic offer sedation dentistry services that make it easier for patients like yourself (who may be anxious) to undergo treatment.
Prepare Yourself
When it comes to your dental health, there’s really only one thing you can do: take care of your teeth. If you haven’t been visiting a dentist regularly, now is a good time to start. Put off that appointment no longer. Visiting a dental professional will not only help keep your teeth healthy and strong, but also set a positive precedent for future visits. Remember, every successful journey begins with a single step.
Contact Your Dentist
Arrange a consultation with your dentist and let them know that you’re dealing with dental anxiety. They may be able to work out a payment plan for all or part of your care or offer some other relief. You can also ask about sedation dentistry, which involves using IV medications or oral sedatives during your procedure. Sedation dentistry can take away much of your fear if you have a deep-seated fear of receiving treatment.
