Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Locating a dental clinic for new patients in Fairview, Halifax, does not have to be a difficult process. This is especially true if you are fearful of visiting the dentist. Experiencing apprehension before a dental appointment is a totally normal occurrence that affects many people. This fear may stem from bad experiences in the past or trepidation over pain. But dental anxiety should not keep you from seeking professional oral care. Knowing what to look for in a dentist will reduce fear and alleviate the nervousness that accompanies dental care.

Conquer Your Fear

The fear of pain is the number one reason new patients do not seek professional attention for their teeth. However, delaying dental hygiene can lead to a whole host of mouth-borne diseases that may eventually spread to other parts of the body. The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation has discovered that poor oral health is a possible trigger for heart disease. Therefore, it is imperative to overcome any fears of the dentist you may have and get regular checkups.

Here are a few tips to help conquer your fear of the dentist:

·       Talk to your dentist. Behind the white mask, your dentist is just another human being, and discussing your phobias before any procedure will help put you at ease. Realizing that your dentist has your best interests at heart will calm you down exponentially, allowing you to close your eyes and relax before reclining in the dentist’s chair.

·       Create a safe signal. In the event you are in any discomfort, establish a safe signal that notifies your dentist to stop immediately. This could be as simple as raising your hand when you feel uncomfortable. Just knowing that you can communicate with your dentist, even when you are unable to speak, will put your mind at ease.

·       Examine the instruments. Dental instruments, such as drills and picks, can look scary. Rather than stare at them with bug-eyes and worry how and why they might be used, ask your dentist to show them to you, one by one, and explain how each of them might be used. A tactile relationship with the tools that will be used can help minimize any phobias about them.

·       Sedation.For more severe cases, sedation dentistry (such as nitrous oxide, otherwise known as "laughing gas”) is a safe option that alleviates anxiety by letting you completely relax throughout dental procedures. This way you can have peace of mind whenever you make a visit to the dentist to maintain your healthy smile.

New Patients Should Feel Comfortable