12 Dec 2020
Scared to visit the dentist? You are certainly not alone.
However, avoiding the dentist can have serious consequences for your teeth, and your overall health. Regular dental checkups provide preventative care, and the dentist is able to catch any problems before they progress.
Dental professionals at Venus Dental Care understand and are sympathetic to anyone who is apprehensive about going to the dentist. Here we share some tips to help you overcome the fear of going to the dentist. By using these tips, you can alleviate many of the dentist-related fears that may have been holding you back from getting regular dental care.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is a condition in which one suffers extreme nervousness and fear at the thought of visiting a dentist for dental care. According to Stats Canada, 40% of Canadians have a ‘strong fear of going to the dentist’. For some, it’s a generalized fear, but for others, it’s an extreme dental phobia that results in them completely avoiding the dentist.
1. Talk to Your Dentist
The team at Venus Dental Care is equipped to help a patient feel comfortable to receive treatment. You can request an initial consultation prior to your treatment to get your questions answered, so you can feel assured that you and your oral health are in good hands.
It’s also important to understand the cause of your dental anxiety, so we can help you overcome it. Most fears stem from a painful past experience, or the fear can be passed on from parent to child. If our team knows what is causing your apprehension, we can strategize a treatment plan to alleviate your fear. We will frequently check in to gauge how you’re feeling during treatment, and create a signal (i.e. raising a hand), so you can notify us you need a break.
2. Distract Yourself
We strive to create a relaxing environment in our clinic to make your visit as comfortable as possible. However, we understand with anxiety, it can be difficult experiencing all the sights and sounds of a dental office. We offer your choice of Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video during your treatment to help your relax while the dentist does their work. We also offer other aids such as weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, and aromatherapy.
We utilize modern dental technology, such as digital impressions to ensure a more comfortable experience. Patients at Venus Dental Care can now avoid the dreaded ‘goopy’ impressions that can cause gagging. Instead, we use the iTero Scanner to create an immediate 3D impression of your teeth in no time.
It may even be beneficial to bring a family member or friend with you to help you stay calm during your appointment. Knowing they are nearby may provide the comfort you need.
3. Explore Dental Sedation Options
If you’re trying to overcome a fear of dentists, you may simply be scared of feeling pain during your visit. Dental sedation may be beneficial during your first few appointments as you are becoming more familiar and comfortable with the clinic. Our team will discuss the best pain management options for you, and we will work with you to keep you comfortable.
Ready to Conquer Your Fear of Dentists?
There’s no shame in feeling scared about visiting the dentist but do not let that prevent you from getting the oral care you need. Schedule an appointment with our gentle, and friendly team at Venus Dental Care so we can work together to maintain your healthy smile. We will do everything in our power to make you feel safe and comfortable before, during and after your appointment.
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