At the mere word dentist, most people experience unpleasant feelings. Some people are so afraid of going to the dentist that they postpone the visit until the last minute. Such pathological fear of dentists arose in the period of Soviet medicine, when instead of anesthesia we had to simply endure.
Fortunately, this time has long passed. Modern medicine offers a variety of anesthesia methods that give a hundred percent result - dental treatment without pain.
But even knowing all of this, most still experience fear and even panic at the thought of paying a visit to the dentist.
In order to get rid of fear, first of all, it is important to understand what we are afraid of. This question is quite simple. Patients are not afraid of the doctor, the drill or dental instruments, they are afraid of pain.
It also causes anxiety because of the possibility that the dentist might do something wrong.
It's one thing to have anxiety when you visit the doctor, but it's another to have panic attacks that are hard to control.
What should you do if you are afraid of the dentist?
1. Ask yourself what scares you about the dentist. Figure out which fear is real and which is just a fantasy. The main thing to remember is that the dentist will not do anything against your will.
2. Read about the anesthetics used in dentistry today.
Modern methods of anesthesia, when used, give one hundred percent results. There are even anesthetic sprays that will allow the injection to be done discreetly. In a good dental clinic, a sedative is offered before treatment in case of severe anxiety.
3. Find a good dental clinic
If you have a serious fear of the dentist, then it's important to find the right professional. A good dentist knows how to find an approach to any person. The best way to choose a dentist is by recommendation of friends or acquaintances. You can also find reviews on the Internet and on special resources.
4. Come in for a consultation before treatment
If you feel that you are not ready to have your teeth treated at your first visit, just come to the specialist for a consultation, warning him or her in advance that you have a phobia. Do not hesitate to mention it, as the existence of fear is not your fault. Good dentists understand this.
Try just talking at the table for starters, without even sitting in the chair. And remember, you are not a child, no one will hold you down or force you to have treatment. Ask the dentist to explain in detail what he plans to do, let him tell you what treatment is needed and why. Clarity and certainty of what awaits you will help to calm down a little.
5. I can personally advise you on a technique that helps me not to put off going to the doctor: Make your next appointment with the doctor right away. Better yet, leave a deposit for your next appointment and ask a trusted friend to supervise you.
6. And of course, do not forget about anesthesia and anesthesia. In any case, if you have decided on treatment, anesthesia in your case, is mandatory. If even with the use of anesthetics you can not force yourself to open your mouth, then there is one solution for you - general anesthesia. Of course, the decision to use general anesthesia or not is made individually and after a thorough examination.
Fear is a natural instinct for self-preservation. It is a natural reflex that aims to protect us. If there is no fuel for this reflex, over time the fear recedes.