Countless adults fear trips to the dentist. For many, their dental phobia started in childhood due to unpleasant healthcare experiences. Others may have developed a dislike of dentistry over time because they required extensive treatments or did not have a good relationship with a dental provider. If you feel uncomfortable at the idea of going to the dentist for a diagnosis or to discuss candidacy for dental implants, you will be relieved to know that you can overcome your anxiety.
How do people with dental phobia recover from this condition and learn to feel less concerned about making and keeping dental appointments? The following three techniques work well for many patients.
1. Ask For A Dental Office Tour
Fear of the unknown can amplify dental phobia. In contrast, education and self-knowledge can reduce worries about what will happen when you come to the dentist. With that in mind, ask a dentist for a practice tour before your first check-up or consultation. Ask questions about the equipment used and procedures available. You might be pleasantly surprised by how technologically advanced, patient-centric, and comfortable many offices are.
2. Bring Along A Supportive Friend Or Family Member
As the patient, you have the opportunity to guide your healthcare journey. But you do not have to travel your journey alone! See if you can take someone with you to your upcoming dentist appointment. This could be a relative or other loved one. Make sure the person you choose has a calming effect on you. That way, your visit to the dentist will feel more like an enjoyable day out. Additionally, you will associate the dentist with positive memories.
3. Choose A Dentist Who Practices Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry has revolutionized the dental world. Dentists who practice sedation dentistry offer a variety of sedation services to help patients with dental phobia relax during treatments. For example, taking oral sedatives can calm your nerves and help you avoid fidgeting while getting an examination for dental implants in North Royalton, OH. IV dental sedation can be useful for more involved procedures. Not every dentist makes sedation dentistry available or has the credentials to deliver IV sedation, so be sure to ask when you call.
Yes! You Can Talk to a Dentist Without Fear About Dental Implants in North Royalton, OH
Dental phobia may have limited you before. Why let it keep interfering with a healthier smile? Set up an appointment with our doctors, Dr. Mark Iacobelli and Dr. Stephen Sala, in our office in North Royalton, OH today! Drs. Iacobelli and Sala are committed to putting your needs and comfort first during every treatment. Their extensive expertise in all areas of dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry and the placement of dental implants, allows them to help patients like you feel less anxious and more excited about achieving your oral health goals.