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For some people, a trip to the dentist can stir up an array of emotions. And maybe you are one of these fearful patients that tend to run in the other direction at the thought of sitting in the dentist chair. Unfortunately, a painful trip to the dentist in the past or negative experiences shared by friends and family can cause patients to fear the dentist more than any other health care provider. So what can a patient and dentist do to eliminate this fear in order to help the patient achieve optimal dental health? Luckily, many dentists recognize that dental phobia is commonly experienced among their patients and can work with the patient to modify a treatment plan that is best suited for his or her dental concerns. Learn to Trust Your Dentist Before trying to determine the appropriate treatments or medications for alleviating your dental anxiety, a patient and dentist should first build a relationship with one another. When a patient can trust his dentist and is confident in his expertise, the patient can rest assured that he is receiving gentle and quality dental care. If your dentist isn't taking your fears and concerns seriously, it may be time to find another dentist. And just as the patient needs to trust that the dentist will be honest about the dental care he is providing, the dentist also needs to trust that the patient will be truthful about past medical history and the degree of pain experienced during and after treatments. Once your dentist is aware of your fears, he will be better equipped to help you feel more relaxed and less anxious during each visit. Understand Your Dental Fears Once you have established a rapport with your dentist and trust his ability to deliver the safest, most appropriate dental care, you should determine which aspects of the dental experience scare you. Is it the pain? Ask your dentist what pain relief options are available to make your experience as pain free as possible. Advances in dentistry over the years have made the majority of dental procedures today relatively pain free if not completely painless. Consider coming up with a signal, such as raising your hand, to indicate pain or discomfort during procedures. When your dentist notices your raised hand, he will know to stop and administer additional anesthesia if needed. The more your dentist understands about your dental anxiety, the more prepared he will be to modify dental work for your specific needs. Or maybe the fear of the unknown when undergoing dental work induces panic. Express your uncertainties to your dentist, and ask him to explain each dental procedure to you. This can alleviate the tension and feeling of helplessness you experience while sitting in the dentist chair, and it will help mentally prepare you for following treatments. Don't let your dental anxiety prevent you from receiving professional dental care. The key to overcoming your dental phobia is discussing your fears with your dentist. Actively expressing your concerns to your dentist can help reduce fear, and when your dentist is aware of your apprehension, he can work with you to determine the best method for helping you overcome your dental anxiety.
Sean Hartmen writes for Evans Dental, a family and cosmetic dentist in Santa Maria, CA. For patients in the Santa Maria area looking for a healthier, more beautiful smile, this Lompoc dentist offers and array of dental services, including bonding, implants, veneers, whitening and more.
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