4 TIPS TO OVERCOME THE FEAR OF UNDERGOING TREATMENTS AT DENTAL CLINICS

Some of the most common phobias in the world include germs, spiders and heights. People, suffering from mysophobia keep washing their hands continually to keep away the germs. Individuals, who suffer from arachnophobia, get panicky when they see a spider and Acrophobia, the fear of heights. In addition to these common phobias, dental experts in Wimbledon point out that many people also suffer from dentophobia.

Dentophobia is the fear and anxiety you feel every time you visit a dentist. A reputed dentist in Wimbledon says this is a serious issue and it holds back a large number of adults to seek the necessary dental help on time. Finally, by the time one turns up at an oral health clinic for help, the problem becomes quite complex and its recovery costs more time and money.

Reasons behind anxiety: There are various reasons behind this problem. The hissing sound of the drills, mouth-numbing injections and an overall depressive atmosphere prevailing at the clinics even weaken the daunting minds. Even painful experiences of the past keep most people away from dental clinics. It is important to mention that technology involved in modern dentistry has improved a lot as compared to the noisy mechanical tools of the past. As a result, treatments related to it have become much painless.

Here are some strategies that you’ll find helpful to overcome dentophobia. These strategies will help distract your mind from the perceptions of pain and fear.

• Search for the right dentist: A major part of overcoming your dental phobia is to contact the right dentist who specialises in taking care of anxious patients. After you narrow down your choice, try to call each of them individually. Make sure you fix an appointment with your dental practitioner only when you feel comfortable by taking to him over the phone. The right dental surgeon will make you feel relaxed and that you do not feel uneasy at the clinic.
• Take friend or family to the appointment: You may take your closest friend or family member to the dentist’s chair and get the support and care you really need. Go with someone who does not have the fear of visiting a dentist for routine checkups. This will boost your confidence level and you will be able to see your practitioner without any fear.
• Know if sedatives are right: Sedatives such as anaesthesia, nitrous oxide or oral sedation enable a patient to remain calm and relaxed when undergoing the treatment. It is advised to talk to your dentist and know if sedatives are appropriate for you. Also, know which will work the best for your condition.
• Practice different techniques for relaxation: You may perform some exercises that help you remain calm and relaxed during the treatment. One of the best ways to feel relaxed is controlled breathing in which you take a deep breath. This will help you slow your heartbeat and at the same time, relax the muscles.

Apart from the tactics given above, a reputed NHS dentist in Wimbledon suggests to communicate your perception of fear to the oral health expert. The expert will then take necessary steps to help you relax. Suppose, the sound of drill makes you uncomfortable and in that case, the expert will ask you to use earplugs.