Scared of the dentist? Read this.

Does the thought of going to the dentist scare you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Even those who have only had positive experiences with their dentist can still feel anxiety with each visit. Here are a few common anxieties and tips to help calm them.

1. Pain

Worrying about pain can make you tense up, which can make you even more sensitive to pain. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that your dentist is a trained professional and wants to make your experience a pleasant one. Anxieties can stem from a need for control in a situation that feels completely out of your hands. Placing trust in your dentist can alleviate anxieties of pain. Also keep in mind that numbing gels and anesthetics are available for most treatments.

2. The Sounds

The whirl of a drill can make anybody nervous. That’s completely understandable. But rather than fixating on what you think the drill might do (harm you), focus on what it’s meant to do (help you) and you’ll be in a much more positive headspace. Try this with any sound that raises your anxieties.

3. Being Heard by Your Dentist

Some people worry that their dentist isn’t concerned about their personal needs, and thus they feel they won’t be heard. A good dentist welcomes your thoughts and feedback and will explain every step of the process, so you know exactly what’s happening. You can even take a break as needed.

Identifying your fear is the first step to overcoming it. Once you’ve done that, you can take the steps to calm your anxieties, which can include:

Bringing a friend or family member with you to your next appointment
Choose a dentist you feel comfortable with, one who you feel truly cares about you
Practicing mindfulness and meditation
Tune into a humorous show during your visit—studies have shown that humor helps reduce dental anxieties
If your anxieties can’t be calmed, talk through your fears with a therapist

Do you want an inviting and relaxing dental visit? Book an appointment with us online or give us a call at 757-497-4825. Dr. Fernandez is here to make your visit anxiety-free.