Paying a visit to the dentist can cause anxiety for many. From young children visiting a pediatric dentist to grown adults with an established dental phobia, visiting a dentist can cause many individuals to feel a little squeamish and worried. The good news is there are a variety of ways you can combat your fear of dentists to make your next dental visit a breeze. If you’re one of the many individuals who feel anxious about the sights and sounds of a dental office, the following are a few tips you can try to overcome your feelings of dread.
Plan Your Appointment in Advance
Fear of the unknown can be one of the reasons you feel worried when facing a dentist appointment. If you have a detailed discussion with your dental hygienist or dentist before your appointment, you’ll feel more comfortable facing the dentist’s chair. “When you understand precisely what is going to happen, how long your dentist appointment will take, and what the side-effects of your dental procedure are likely to be, you’ll feel more confident allowing your dentist to perform your required procedure,” says Dr. Patrick Williams.
Understand Your Dentist’s Expertise
Sometimes the fear of dental pain can cause individuals to worry about their next dentist appointment unnecessarily. Rather than focusing on potential dental discomfort, concentrate your efforts on familiarizing yourself with your dentist’s credentials. When you understand they have extensive training from a well-respected educational facility, you’re less likely to worry about them accidentally hurting you in the dentist chair. Just the peace of mind of knowing your dentist is a talented and experienced professional is often all it takes to dissipate your dental dread.
Gamify Your Dental Appointment
Treating yourself with a reward for visiting the dentist can help refocus your mind on more pleasant thoughts. Treat yourself with a trip to the mall or a tasty treat at your favorite restaurant once you are finished with your dental appointment. Even a quick trip through the drive-thru for a cold coffee drink can be enough to trick your mind into looking at a dental appointment as a good thing.
These are just a few ways you can reduce your fear of the dentist and help calm your nerves before a dental visit. With practice and determination, you can overcome your dental worries and feel less dread when visiting your friendly dentist.
About Dr. Patrick Williams:
Dr. Patrick Williams is a general dentist with a remarkably diverse skillset. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, he has never stopped learning throughout 17 years of practice. Dr. Williams is certified in cutting-edge dental technologies, maintaining fellowships in such prestigious organizations as the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, among others.
Dr. Patrick Williams around the web:
https://www.drpatrickwilliamsdentist.com
https://twitter.com/DrPatrickWilli1
https://www.instagram.com/drpatwillidentist/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE-TlHL1lHW2PSj32d4QWxg/videos?shelf_id=0&view=0&sort=dd