How to Ease Dental Phobia
Dental phobia is extremely common. Despite oral health being one of the most critical aspects of overall human health, data shows that every third American feels anxious about going to the dentist, and every 10th dental patient experiences extreme fear.
While anxiety can be dealt with relative ease, a phobia is a more severe condition that shouldn’t be neglected. Today, we’ll share some tips for easing dental phobia.
Psychotherapy
Dealing with a phobia before visiting the dentist is better than doing it while sitting in the dentist’s office. A psychotherapist investigates each case individually and finds a suitable therapy. Sometimes, even a casual conversation with a professional dentist may help determine the cause of fear and ease it.
Exposure therapy
Psychotherapists often recommend exposure therapy for easing dental phobia. It involves visiting the dentist on a gradual basis. At first, the patient may start making visits to the dentist without any examinations or manipulations. Once the patient becomes comfortable at the dentist’s office, they may start performing check-ups or cleanings. Of course, such therapy must be discussed with the dentist. Most dentists wish the best for their patients and will be happy to help.
Medication
Certain medications can help to ease symptoms of phobia, such as high blood pressure. However, medication should be used along with a suitable treatment to have a proper effect. A doctor must prescribe the medication.
How to stay calm throughout the process
Our mind can be more powerful than any medication. There are a number of tricks a patient can use to help remain calm throughout a dentist appointment. These include:
Using noise-canceling earphones with their favorite music.
Visiting the appointment with a close friend or relative.
Using relaxation breathing techniques to slow down the heartbeat and relax the muscles.
Talking to the dentist about something non-dental related. This helps to understand what kind of a person they are and build trust.
Visiting the dentist during morning hours. Fewer people in the office means less noise that may trigger anxiety.
Most importantly, the patient should be honest with the dentist about their fear. Most dentists understand it and try to ease their patient phobia using simple methods such as:
Talking throughout the process.
Explaining what exactly they’re doing and asking for permission to continue.
Letting the patient stop the procedure at any moment by showing a specific gesture.
Allowing the patient to take breaks during the procedure.
Dental phobia treatment is very much about the communication between the patient and the dentist. Helping the patient understand that the dentist wants the best for their health and working together to ease the phobia is the way to success.
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
