Many people are afraid of spiders, ghosts, closed spaces, flying, and more. But have you heard of people being fearful of the dentist? It’s true. Some people find it extremely frightening to visit the dentist. While this is, understandably, an irrational fear, it still influences decisions that people make regarding their oral health. For most people, visiting the dentist and getting their teeth cleaned, looked at, and sometimes even a root canal are everyday aspects of staying healthy. However, for some, the idea of visiting a dentist and sitting in the dentist’s chair fills them with utter dread.
Many people have had uncomfortable experiences with dentists, which leads them to have a lifelong fear. Some have such extreme dental phobia that even driving past the dentist’s clinic gives them anxiety. Most patients prefer using home remedies to cure a toothache, while the rest only go to the dentist when the pain becomes excruciating.
There are many factors related to fear. Let us look at why people fear the dentist and what can be done to ease the issue.
Reasons For A Fear Of The Dentist
Fear Of Pain:
Many people fear that getting treatment for their teeth will be as painful as the infection or toothache, and they do not want to aggravate their condition further. This feeling leads to extreme anxiety, which then develops into fear. Fear tends to make people avoid taking necessary steps to ease the discomfort. While this feeling is irrational, it can be quite controlling, and many people may not realize that the dentist will help ease the pain. Also, people with these fears tend to forget that there are medicines available to combat pain.
Previous Bad Dental Experiences:
If you have had a bad experience with a dentist previously, you may feel that all dentists will be the same. This feeling is also not necessarily true. Like all doctors, there are preferences and experience levels that we must consider before we make a decision. As a child, you may have had different doctors for the same ailment and found one that best suits you. The same reasoning should be applied to dentists too. Just because you faced a bad experience with one does not mean you will constantly face a bad experience.
Lack Of Control Over The Situation:
While this feeling is not wholly familiar, being in a chair while the dentist pokes around with a dental instrument can be an absolute nightmare. There is a loss of control, and some people may feel that they cannot take a break or get up if they need to. Others are afraid of dental equipment. Most dentists understand that some patients may have anxiety and nervousness. Dentists all over the UK use dental instruments from kentexpress.co.uk which are of good quality, so there is no need to fear. If you request them to, dentists stop for a few minutes and allow you to take a sip of water or simply relax before continuing with the examination.
Other reasons for fear are:
- Fear of dental equipment and the various implements
- Fear of loud noises
- Gag reflexes
- Fear of the dentist themselves
Ways To Ease The Fear Of The Dentist
For many people, the fear of the dentist is part of underlying issues that they may already have. It is best to speak to the dentist in advance and explain any anxieties and nervousness. The dentist will understand and help ease your worries.
Meet The Dentist Before The Procedure:
If you have uncontrollable fear, it is best to meet the dentist before fixing an appointment for treatment. Doing this allows you to vocalize your concerns, get a feel of the experience levels of the dentist, and have an opportunity to ask any questions or doubts. Many dentists also create healthy environments to ease patients.
Dental Sedation:
Depending on the doctors’ clinical assessment, pain relief medication can be used during treatments. Topical anaesthetic helps to temporarily numb the tissues of the mouth, while injections of anaesthetic are commonly used for more invasive treatments such as fillings. You should never forget that the dentist is a highly experienced professional and will do everything to help and ensure you avoid tooth pain.
Being afraid of the dentist is extremely common. There is help available for anxiety and nervousness. Ensure you speak to the dental surgery in advance to get advice.
