Overcoming a Dental Phobia

The bad thing about dental phobia is that it prevents people from seeking the care they need—when they need it. The good thing about it is that, today, we can treat fear as successfully as we treat tooth decay or crooked teeth.

Over six million people experience some degree of anxiety when they visit the dentist. Two million dental patients are just plain scared, so scared that they suffer shaking, confusion, heart palpitations and changes in speech and blood pressure just thinking about dental treatment.

Thanks to many dedicated researchers, we’ve learned a lot about what causes fear. And we’ve got the antidotes.

Do you have a Dental Phobia?

If you, or someone you care about, needs help in coping with dental fear, we’ve got some suggestions:

• Come into the office with someone you trust—your mother, a close friend or even your Teddy. You’ll feel more secure.
• Make an early appointment—that way you won’t spend the whole day worrying about your visit.
• Think Positive. Think about an experience you thought might have been unpleasant, but turned out okay—and hold that thought.
• Don’t tell everyone you’re going to the dentist. Fear is contagious and some people just love to pass it on.
• Share your fears with your dental team. We have some very effective treatment techniques. Besides, we love to talk!
• Don’t be a hero. This is not a good time to be macho about even the slightest discomfort.
• Relax. Your emotions affect your pain threshold. We’ll help.