DEALING WITH DENTOPHOBIA
I can't tell you the number of times I hear, "I hate the dentist each day!" No, I don't take it personally, but I do wish that more people had a favorable view of coming to the dentist. People associate the dentist with pain.
Mainly because they have had some traumatic experience, or they always come to the dentist when they are in pain, which makes our job just a little more complicated.
At Better Health Dental, we always work to ensure that each dental visit is pleasant. However, if your dentophobia causes you to delay treatment or bring up severe anxiety, it doesn't matter what we do; you won't want to come to see us. I want you to know that the fear of the dentist is real and one that we take very seriously.
If your fears have led you to avoid the dentist, several steps can get you on track.
First, you want to visit the dentist for a consult and just a visit. This will help you to familiarize yourself with the dentist, office, and staff. This appointment should be made in advance of your initial cleaning appointment.
Once your first appointment comes around, let the receptionist, hygienist, assistant, and dentist know that you have some anxiety. This way, we can anticipate having to be extra careful and sensitive to your needs. Different things make different people anxious at the dentist's.
Please let us know if it's the thought of the needle or the sound of your teeth being scraped.
Maybe you just don't like the smell, or you don't like the lights.
Perhaps some music will help you take your mind away.
Whatever it is, feel free to be open and let us know!
We are ready and willing to aid in making sure that your visits are peaceful each time.
