“Dentophobia,” or fear of going to the dentist, is all too common for many Americans. Sadly for adults and children all across the U.S., this phobia prevents them from receiving essential cleaning and preventative dental care every year.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. At Austell Dental Associates, we are committed to providing a stress-free environment, so you can address all of your oral hygiene needs without worrying and fretting. Keep reading our blog to learn the best tips for getting over your fear of going to the dentist, and contact our office today for welcoming and friendly dental services in Austell.
5 Tips for Getting Over Your Fear of Going to the Dentist
- Choose the Right Team: So much of the fear related to going to the dentist revolves around who is going to be helping you. Luckily, in the world we live in today, you have a lot more freedom to shop around, and find the perfect fit for what you need. With a quick search online, you can pick a dental team that meets your payment and insurance requirements, and has exceptional client reviews. For parents, it is also important to search around for a reliable family dentist, who knows how to put your little one at ease the minute they step into the dentist’s chair.
- Communicate: Acknowledging your fears goes a long way to addressing them. Maybe you haven’t had a cleaning in awhile, and you’re embarrassed about the sight of your teeth. Maybe you had a bad experience on your last trip to the dentist, and have been dreading coming back ever since. This is all perfectly natural, and 9 times out of 10, if you tell these fears to your dentist they will tell you there’s nothing to worry about. While it’s common to get nervous around needles, for instance, a skilled dentist will prep you for everything you need to know before any procedure. Tell your dentist what your pain threshold is, as most professionals are also receptive to this information when providing anesthesia, numbing gels, and other forms of relief. Most dental services aren’t even remotely painful, but even the ones that cause slight discomfort tend to be over quickly. Ask your dentist everything you need to know, and hire a professional you can always trust to give you honest, straightforward answers in a calm and comforting way.
- Bring a Support System: If you’re really worried about your next visit to the dentist, bring back-up! Another body in the waiting room can help you feel comforted, and act as an additional sounding board for any anxieties. Plus, it’s always nice to know there’s someone waiting for you when your check-up is done.
- Put on Some Music: There’s a reason your dentist may ask you what you want to listen to while you’re in the chair, and it’s not just because they enjoy listening to tunes while they work. Music can have a soothing effect, and go a long way to calming you down during dental work. Noises from drills and other equipment might be scary, but the relaxed nature of the right song may help take your mind off of the task at hand.
- Practice Deep Breathing: Another one of those simple tricks that goes a long way, deep breathing has been shown to alleviate stress, and make you more centered. This technique can be helpful in many areas of life, but in the dentist’s office specifically it can help loosen you up, and get your mouth ready to address any oral hygiene issues. Next trip to the dentist, try taking a deep breath, and remembering you have nothing to fear!
Call Today for a Healthier Smile!
At Austell Dental Associates, it is our mission to make sure you never feel nervous about going to the dentist again. Our friendly and helpful dentists and hygienists believe in telling it to you straight, without causing added worries or fear. We offer comprehensive dental services from teeth whitening to dental implants to various other cosmetic dentistry needs, and we have over 50 years of experience, so you can always trust our skills and knowledge. Don’t let fear hold you back any longer. Get the smile you’ve always wanted, and call Austell Dental Associates today!
We are available by phone at (770) 467-3888, or you can click here to fill out our contact form online. Spanish-speaking services are also available.
