Handling Your Fear of the Dentist

Many people are apprehensive about going to the dentist. If you’re one of them, you might find yourself making excuses to avoid cleanings and exams. Unfortunately, that often means that dental problems that could have easily been dealt with have the time to grow into more serious issues. Rather than putting off or dreading going to the dentist, you should instead look at why you fear your dental visits. As a dentist in Bloomer, we don’t want any of our patients being afraid of us or experiencing anxiety when they come to visit. Here are some ways you can deal with your fears and be more at east when you have dental work done.

Know What to Expect

If you know what to expect from your dental visit, it won’t seem as scary. We all fear the unknown, so by making your fears known, they lose some of their power. When you call to make your appointment, ask what it will consist of. If it’s your first time seeing a dentist or you’ve changed to a new dentist, most first-time appointments consist of an exam, a discussion of your dental history and health, and a cleaning. Sometimes, the dentist will want to take X-rays or do other examination procedures, but they will explain why and what will be done beforehand.

If you’re visiting our family dental in Bloomer for a more advanced procedure, you will likely have discussed this procedure with one of our experts at your previous appointment. Things such as root canals, fillings, extractions, and other procedures are preceded by a meeting where you’ll go over everything. You don’t have to worry about walking into our office and being met with a drill!

Talk to Your Dentist about Your Fears

If your dentist knows that you have a fear of certain things, they can work around them. For example, those who are afraid of needles may need a distraction while the injection is done. The dentist may also use a numbing gel or spray on the injection area so you don’t feel anything. If you don’t want to hear the sound of the dentist working on your teeth, you can put in ear buds and listen to music. Some people even take a VR headset and watch a movie while the dentist works. All of these are ways of dealing with your fear or distracting yourself from it.

Ask Questions

Our experts in Dentistry in Bloomer love it when patients ask questions. It shows that they are interested and engaged in their dental care. It also helps to reassure patients. Again, it goes back to knowing what to expect. If you understand a procedure, know what the dentist is doing, and are ready for it, it won’t be as bad. While you can research on your own, doing so often sends people into panic. The internet may be a fine source for basic information, but it can’t provide answers that require knowledge of your unique dental health. Only a dentist can do that.

If you’re ready to confront your fear of the dentist, we’re here for you. Contact us today to make an appointment, and let us know that you have some anxiety about it. We’ll make sure to address all of your concerns.